Crystal Palace need more than one defender to repair the damage caused by a difficult summer.
Marc Guehi’s departure removed the leader of their back line, and Maxence Lacroix has now followed him out after Chelsea paid £52 million for the Frenchman.
That leaves new manager Pierre Sage attempting to rebuild a defence while preparing Palace for Premier League and Europa League football.
Axel Disasi has emerged as one possible replacement for Lacroix, while Palace have also discussed Raphaël Le Guen with Brest. Negotiations for Augsburg defender Chrislain Matsima broke down, forcing the club to keep several options open.
Takehiro Tomiyasu cannot solve the entire problem, but his versatility makes him a useful addition.
The Japan international is comfortable at centre back or right back and has operated on the left. That versatility should suit Sage if he alternates between a back three and a four during a demanding season.
Tomiyasu also knows English football.
Arsenal signed him from Bologna in 2021 after he had played in Japan, Belgium and Italy. He seemingly earned Mikel Arteta’s trust through his positioning, strength in defensive duels and willingness to perform different roles.
Tomiyasu racked up 84 Arsenal appearances across four seasons. However, his time in north London was repeatedly interrupted by calf, hamstring and knee problems.
The most serious setback required knee surgery and kept him unavailable for most of the 2024/25 campaign.
Arsenal agreed to terminate his contract in July 2025, allowing him to concentrate on recovering away from the pressure of a return.
Ajax offered Tomiyasu another opportunity in December.
The club handed him a six-month contract after assessing his recovery, but his attempt to rebuild momentum remained frustrating.
Tomiyasu only managed nine appearances in all competitions, with fitness and hamstring issues limiting his involvement.
His contract expired in June, placing him back on the free agent market.
Palace then invited the 27-year-old into preseason training, giving Sage and the medical staff time to assess him before making a commitment.
That approach appears to have led to an agreement.
Crystal Palace set to sign Takehiro Tomiyasu with medical completed
Fabrizio Romano reports that Tomiyasu has passed his Palace medical in London and will sign his contract within the next 48 hours.
The defender will of course arrive without a transfer fee after leaving Ajax, allowing Palace to add experience without using the money received for Lacroix.
That doesn’t make the deal completely risk-free by any means.
Tomiyasu’s ability has never been the main concern, but Palace must manage his workload carefully after several seasons disrupted by injuries, particularly with extra European games creating a crowded schedule.
He should be viewed as an experienced addition rather than Palace’s only answer at centre back.
Another defender may still be required, especially if Sage wants to preserve the three-man system used successfully by the club in recent seasons.
If Tomiyasu stays fit, though, this could become clever business.
After losing two defenders, Palace need reliability above everything else. Tomiyasu now has the chance to prove his body can finally match his quality.
