Arsenal released Takehiro Tomiyasu from his contract in the summer and are preparing for his return to football in the January transfer window after years of injury troubles.
Five months after being released by Arsenal, Takehiro Tomiyasu has emerged as a target for Ajax. Tomiyasu, 27, played just six minutes for the first team last season and has not played in the last 14 months.
The Gunners agreed to terminate the defender’s contract in July, despite having a contract until 2026. Tomiyasu had recently undergone knee surgery, his second in three years.
The Japan international joined Arsenal from Bologna in Italy for £17 million in 2021, making a total of 79 appearances under manager Mikel Arteta. However, his time at the club was plagued by injuries, and he became a free agent this summer.
Currently recovering from surgery in his home country, Tomiyasu is aiming to return to soccer and hopes to play in next summer’s World Cup. According to Dutch outlet Voetbal International, Ajax are one of several clubs interested in signing the former Arsenal player.
The Eredivisie giants, who have played in two of Europe’s top five leagues and the Champions League, see Tomiyasu as a “great opportunity” to strengthen their defence. It remains to be seen whether the 27-year-old, who can play anywhere in the backline, is interested in joining Ajax.
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Fred Grimm’s side currently sit fourth in the Eredivisie and bottom of the 36-team Champions League table. Signing a player like Tomiyasu could strengthen a relatively inexperienced defensive line.
Coincidentally, his Japanese team is one of the Netherlands’ opponents in Group F of the 2026 World Cup. Tomiyasu hopes to find a new club and return to the international stage in time for the tournament.
Explaining the circumstances behind his decision to leave Arsenal, the former Bologna star told DAZN Japan via Standard: “It was not a sudden decision to leave. First of all, I would like to make it clear that my contract was not terminated unilaterally, and I did not unilaterally say “I am leaving”.”
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“We had a proper discussion and came to the conclusion that this decision was in the best interest of me, the club and everyone. So I am leaving. Everything ended amicably.”
“From my point of view, this is the best timing. I’m free, and the most positive thing about this decision above all is that I can focus on my rehabilitation and myself. I was there for four years, only played five minutes in 2024-25, and spent a whole year in rehabilitation.”
“I was under a lot of stress and anxiety. To be honest, I just didn’t feel like I belonged there anymore and was like, ‘Is this where my future is?'”
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