Romano's Here We Go! Tomiyasu joins Crystal Palace on a free transfer, returning to the Premier League after one year.

Transfer specialist Romano made his signature "Here we go" announcement on August 5, Beijing time, confirming that 27-year-old Japan international Takehiro Tomiyasu will move to Crystal Palace on a free transfer. The all-round defender has already completed his medical in London, and the deal will be finalized in the next 48 hours, bringing him back to the Premier League after a one-year absence.

After a year in the Eredivisie, he returns to the Premier League on a free transfer.

This summer, Tomiyasu's contract with Ajax expired, making him a free agent. It was reported that he was close to joining Serie A side Venezia, but the move was blocked due to non-EU player registration restrictions. Despite having multiple offers from Italian clubs, Tomiyasu's personal preference was strongly to return to the Premier League.

This summer, he fully participated in Crystal Palace's pre-season Como Cup, impressing the coaching staff with his consistent performances in training and friendlies. Crystal Palace quickly secured the free transfer without paying any fee. Last summer, Tomiyasu terminated his contract with Arsenal early due to injury, and joined Ajax in December of the same year, making nine official appearances in half a season. Affected by his previous knee issues, he failed to secure a regular starting spot, and after his contract expired this summer, he chose to return to the familiar Premier League.

Four years at Arsenal: The versatile Asian defender signed for €18.6 million.

In 2021, Arsenal spent €18.6 million to sign Tomiyasu from Bologna. During his four-year spell at the Gunners, he made 84 appearances across all competitions, scoring 2 goals and providing 6 assists.

Tomiyasu's biggest strength is his positional versatility. He can play both left and right full-back, as well as a center-back in a back-three system. He offers balance in defense and attack, with notable forward runs and crossing ability. When he first arrived in the Premier League, he quickly established himself as a regular rotation player. However, recurring knee injuries disrupted his rhythm, significantly reducing his playing time, and eventually both sides agreed to terminate his contract one year early, ending his time at the Emirates.

Steady contributions for the national team, just back from the World Cup.

Despite limited club appearances, Tomiyasu remains a defensive pillar for the Japanese national team. In the recently concluded World Cup (USA, Canada, Mexico), he was included in the squad and played in three group matches, covering both the wing and central positions, making him an indispensable part of Japan's backline.

Crystal Palace's reinforcement strategy: Perfect fit for the three-man defense.

Crystal Palace manager Glasner is set to use a three-man defense system in the new season. The team has recently seen several defenders leave (such as key center-back Lacroix moving to Chelsea), leaving the backline in need of reinforcements. Tomiyasu's multi-position adaptability perfectly matches the club's recruitment needs. He can serve as a wing-back or an inside center-back, giving the manager more rotation options.

The free transfer eliminates any financial pressure, and Tomiyasu brings top-level experience from the Premier League, Serie A, and Eredivisie, allowing him to quickly adapt to the intense physical demands of the Premier League. He is expected to become a key rotation player in Crystal Palace's defense this season.

Another addition to Japan's overseas legion.

With Tomiyasu's arrival, he becomes the ninth Japanese player in the Premier League this season. Notably, he will join fellow countryman Daichi Kamada at Crystal Palace, meaning two Japanese players will be anchoring the backline together in the upcoming Premier League campaign, adding more interest to the Asian overseas contingent.

Watch the Premier League on Migu Video!