Crystal Palace in Talks with Free Agent Takehiro Tomiyasu

Published Jul 30, 09:39 AM UTC

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Crystal Palace have held talks with Japanese defender Takehiro Tomiyasu over a permanent free transfer, according to BBC Sport. The 27-year-old, who left Arsenal by mutual consent last season and briefly played for Ajax, is currently training with Palace and was named as a substitute in their pre-season friendly against Lens. A broad agreement on personal terms is reportedly in place, pending a final decision from head coach Pierre Sage, who plans to use a three-man defense. Tomiyasu is seen as a potential option for the left side of the back three. However, Palace are cautious about his fitness due to recent knee issues. The move is part of Palace's broader effort to strengthen their defense, with first-choice center-back Maxence Lacroix set to join Chelsea. The club has also made offers for Augsburg's Chrislain Matsima and holds interest in Chelsea's Josh Acheampong and Brest's Raphael le Guen.

Source report

Image caption: Takehiro Tomiyasu played three games for Japan at the 2026 World Cup

By Sami Mokbel Senior football correspondent

Crystal Palace have held talks with Takehiro Tomiyasu over a permanent contract that would see the defender return to the Premier League.

Tomiyasu is currently training with Palace and was named as a substitute in the pre-season friendly against Lens on Tuesday.

The Japan international is understood to have held discussions over a permanent deal that would see the 27-year-old join on a free transfer. A broad agreement on terms is reportedly in place, should Palace head coach Pierre Sage decide to sign the versatile defender.

Sage is set to deploy a three-man central defence next season, and Tomiyasu — should Palace proceed — is viewed as a potential option to play on the left side of the trio.

Tomiyasu's recent career has been plagued by knee issues. While Palace are convinced of the former Arsenal man's ability, the club wants to be certain regarding his fitness.

After leaving the Gunners by mutual consent last season, Tomiyasu joined Ajax, where he made eight appearances for the Dutch side towards the end of the campaign.

Palace are looking to strengthen their defensive options this summer, with first-choice central defender Maxence Lacroix set to join Chelsea.

The Eagles have already made at least one offer for Augsburg centre-back Chrislain Matsima, with talks continuing between the two clubs over a potential €30 million (£25.7 million) deal.

Palace also hold an interest in a possible loan deal for Chelsea defender Josh Acheampong, but there are no indications yet that the Stamford Bridge club are prepared to sanction the 20-year-old's exit.

BBC Sport reported last week that Palace also hold a strong interest in Brest centre-back Raphael le Guen.

Source

BBC SportWestern

Original headline: Palace hold talks with ex-Arsenal defender Tomiyasu

Original language: EN-GB

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Crystal Palace in Talks to Sign Free Agent Takehiro Tomiyasu

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