RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesReport: Crystal Palace step up interest in £25.7m former Arsenal ace
Crystal Palace weigh up Takehiro Tomiyasu move as defensive rebuild gathers pace
Crystal Palace are exploring a deal for Takehiro Tomiyasu, with the former Arsenal defender training with the squad and edging into the picture ahead of the new season. As first reported by BBC Sport , the Eagles have held talks over a permanent contract that could bring the Japan international back to the Premier League on a free transfer.
There is a feeling this is a smart market opportunity, provided the medical side stacks up. Tomiyasu, now 27, offers versatility, composure and top-level experience, qualities that always carry value when a club is trying to reshape its back line. He was named on the bench for the friendly against Lens on Tuesday, a small detail perhaps, but one that suggests Palace are taking a close and practical look at where he stands physically.
Palace head coach Pierre Sage is understood to be planning around a system with three centre-backs next season, and Tomiyasu appears to fit that thinking neatly. His ability to operate across the defensive line could make him especially useful on the left of a back three, an area where tactical intelligence often matters as much as raw athleticism.
Tomiyasu transfer offers upside and risk
The biggest question, of course, centres on fitness. Tomiyasu’s recent years have been disrupted by knee problems, and that explains why Palace are being thorough before committing. There is admiration for his quality, but also an awareness that availability is everything over a long campaign.
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After leaving Arsenal by mutual consent last season, he moved to Ajax and made eight appearances towards the end of the campaign. That gave him valuable minutes, yet Palace will want stronger reassurance before turning broad agreement into a completed deal.
Crystal Palace defensive targets taking shape
This interest comes at a time when Palace are clearly bracing for change in defence. Maxence Lacroix is set for Chelsea, and Palace have already made at least one offer for Augsburg centre-back Chrislain Matsima in a move reported to be worth €30m, £25.7m. They also admire Chelsea youngster Josh Acheampong on loan, while Brest defender Raphael le Guen remains on the radar.
In that context, the Tomiyasu transfer feels like part of a wider strategy, one built around balancing cost, depth and tactical flexibility. If Palace are satisfied by the condition of his body, this could be one of the more intriguing free deals of the summer.
Our View
From a Palace fan’s perspective, this feels like the sort of move that can split opinion straight down the middle. On talent alone, there is plenty to like. Tomiyasu is a classy defender, comfortable in possession, calm under pressure and experienced at the highest level. If Pierre Sage wants a back three, then you can absolutely see the logic in bringing in someone who can read the game and slot into different roles.
But Palace supporters will also be realistic. We have all seen what happens when a club signs quality without reliability. The concern is obvious, if the knees go again, then you are left with another body in the treatment room at a time when the squad needs certainty. With Lacroix on his way out, this is not really the moment for half-measures.
That said, on a free transfer, the risk is easier to understand. Palace are not being asked to throw huge money at the deal, and if the medical staff are happy, then there is genuine upside here. The bigger picture is what matters most. Tomiyasu should not be the only answer. Matsima, another centre-back, and perhaps a young loan option would make the whole plan feel more convincing. As part of a wider rebuild, this could be clever business. As the main solution, it would feel a bit thin.
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