Palace sign Japan defender Tomiyasu after trial period

Crystal Palace has secured the signing of Japanese defender Takehiro Tomiyasu, the Premier League club announced Friday. Tomiyasu joins the Eagles following a successful trial period, marking his return to English football.

The 27-year-old defender spent the latter half of last season with Ajax Amsterdam. Prior to that, he played for Arsenal for four years after transferring from Bologna in 2021. His tenure at Arsenal was hampered by recurring knee and calf injuries. Tomiyasu was also part of Japan's squad for the recent World Cup, where the team was eliminated in the round of 32.

Palace chairman Steve Parish welcomed the new signing, stating, "Takehiro has experience at the highest level of European and international football. We are delighted to welcome a player of his calibre to the club and believe he will prove to be a great addition to the squad." The club did not disclose the contract's length. Tomiyasu is the second player signed by new Palace manager Pierre Sage this offseason, following the acquisition of Spanish defender Oscar Mingueza.

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Takehiro has experience at the highest level of European and international football. We are delighted to welcome a player of his calibre to the club and believe he will prove to be a great addition to the squad.