Takehiro Tomiyasu, the Japanese national team defender, has officially joined English Premier League club Crystal Palace. The move marks his return to the Premier League after a period of recovery from injury. Palace announced the signing on their official website, confirming that Tomiyasu completed a successful trial period before agreeing to terms.
Tomiyasu’s Premier League Journey
Tomiyasu, 28, initially arrived in the Premier League in the summer of 2019, joining Bologna before making the switch to England. He quickly established himself as a key player for Arsenal, signing in 2021. Under manager Mikel Arteta, he proved to be a reliable squad player, capable of featuring at both right-back and center-back. During his four years with Arsenal, he made 84 appearances, scoring two goals and providing six assists before his contract was mutually terminated in July 2025.
Challenges with Injuries
Despite his contributions, Tomiyasu’s time at Arsenal was significantly hampered by persistent injury issues. A recurring knee problem resurfaced in 2024, leading to surgery and an extended layoff. He was unable to play a single match for nine months, ultimately leading to Arsenal’s decision to part ways with him. Following his recovery, Tomiyasu joined Ayax on a short-term loan in December of the previous year. He featured in nine games during the latter half of the season, even adapting to a role as a defensive midfielder, showcasing his versatility.
Return to Top Flight Football
His strong performances, including representing Japan in three matches during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and contributing to their advancement to the Round of 16, paved the way for his Premier League comeback. Tomiyasu’s successful return to the top flight comes just over a year after his departure from Arsenal. He earned a training opportunity with Crystal Palace and impressed during practice matches, leading to the formal contract signing.
Reuniting with Former Teammates
At Crystal Palace, Tomiyasu will reunite with Daichi Kamada, another Japanese international with whom he began his European journey at Sint-Truiden in Belgium. Manager Oliver Glasner reportedly views Tomiyasu as a strong candidate for the left-sided center-back position in his three-man defense.
A Growing Japanese Presence in the Premier League
Tomiyasu’s transfer makes him the ninth Japanese player to feature in the Premier League this season. This growing contingent includes notable talents such as Wataru Endo (Liverpool), Kaoru Mitoma (Brighton), Daichi Kamada (Crystal Palace), Koto Takai (Tottenham), Ao Tanaka (Leeds), Hasshiro Sakamoto (Coventry), Hidimasa Morita (Hull City), and Daizen Maeda (Ipswich). There are also reports linking Ayase Ueda of Brighton to a move within the league.
Contrast with Korean Representation
In stark contrast, the number of South Korean players in the Premier League faces potential decline. Hwang Hee-chan’s team, Wolverhampton Wanderers, faces relegation to the Championship, which could see him move to a lower division. Yang Min-hyuk, currently on loan at Tottenham, and Kim Ji-soo of Brentford are facing uncertain futures regarding their Premier League status. The legacy built by Park Ji-sung and maintained by Son Heung-min for a decade, representing a strong Korean presence in the league, could be at risk of ending.
Player’s Perspective
Tomiyasu expressed his eagerness to start, stating, “I’m excited to get started. This club has been enjoying a great spell, winning three trophies in two seasons. This is exactly where I wanted to be.”
Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish welcomed the new signing, commenting, “Takehiro has top-level experience in Europe and on the international stage. We are delighted to welcome a player of his caliber to the club and believe he will be a valuable addition to our squad.”
The contract duration has not been disclosed.
