Crystal Palace sign Japan international Takehiro Tomiyasu after successful trial

Crystal Palace have signed Japan international Takehiro Tomiyasu following a successful trial period with the club.

The defender becomes manager Pierre Sage’s second signing of the summer transfer window, after Oscar Mingueza arrived from Celta Vigo.

Tomiyasu, who will wear number 17 at Palace, made an immediate appearance for his new club in Friday’s friendly against Fulham. Palace won the match 2-1.

The 27-year-old brings previous Premier League experience to Selhurst Park after spending four seasons with Arsenal. He made 65 appearances for the Gunners, scoring twice and providing three assists.

Tomiyasu spent the second half of last season with Ajax, where he played nine matches and registered one assist.

His move to Crystal Palace also follows his inclusion in Japan’s squad for the 2026 World Cup, held in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Spain won the tournament after beating Argentina 1-0 in the final.

Tomiyasu has earned 46 caps for Japan and is capable of playing at full-back or in central defence, although no specific role was given as part of the announcement.

The signing adds further defensive experience to a Crystal Palace side preparing for the new Premier League campaign under Sage. The club finished 15th in the league last season with 45 points.

Palace did, however, secure European silverware by winning the UEFA Conference League. They beat Rayo Vallecano 1-0 in the final to claim the trophy.

Their first Premier League fixture of the new season will be against Everton on Saturday, 22 August. The match is scheduled to kick off at 17:00 Cairo time.

Tomiyasu’s arrival represents Palace’s latest move in a summer of recruitment following the appointment of Sage, with Mingueza the other new addition confirmed before the Japanese international.

He was able to feature for the club almost immediately, with his involvement against Fulham coming on the same day Crystal Palace announced the transfer. The friendly victory gave Tomiyasu an early opportunity to work with his new team-mates before the competitive season begins.

His experience in England, together with his international background and recent spell in the Netherlands, gives Palace another established option as they prepare to balance domestic football with the demands of European competition.

Japan’s World Cup campaign ended with Spain lifting the trophy after their 1-0 victory over Argentina, while Tomiyasu’s selection for the tournament added to a season that also included his move from Ajax to Crystal Palace.