Arsenal terminated Takehiro Tomiyasu's contract in the summer and he's preparing to return to football ahead of the January transfer window after years of injury troubles
LONDON COLNEY, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 30: Takehiro Tomiyasu of Arsenal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD2 training and press conference at Sobha Realty Training Centre on September 30, 2024 in London Colney, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Takehiro Tomiyasu was injured for practically all of last season(Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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Takehiro Tomiyasu has emerged as a target for Ajax five months after being released by Arsenal. Tomiyasu, 27, managed just six minutes of first-team football last season and hasn't played in 14 months.
The Gunners agreed to terminate his contract in July, despite the defender's deal running until 2026. Tomiyasu had recently undergone knee surgery for the second time in three years.
Having joined Arsenal from Italian side Bologna in 2021 for £17million, the Japan international made a total of 79 appearances under Mikel Arteta. But his time at the club was plagued by injuries and he became a free agent this summer.
Now, after recovering from surgery in his homeland, Tomiyasu is eyeing a return to football and wants to play at the World Cup next summer. According to Dutch outlet Voetbal International, Ajax are one of several clubs interested in snapping up the former Arsenal man.
With experience in two of Europe's top five leagues and Champions League games under his belt, the Eredivisie giants view Tomiyasu as a 'golden opportunity' to strengthen their defence. It's not yet known whether the 27-year-old, who can play anywhere across the back line, would be interested in joining Ajax.
Fred Grim's side are currently fourth in the Eredivisie and sit rock bottom of the 36-team Champions League table. Signing a player like Tomiyasu could help shore up a relatively inexperienced defence.
Coincidentally, his Japan side are one of the Netherlands' opponents in Group F at the 2026 World Cup. Tomiyasu hopes that he can find a new club and return to the international scene in time for the tournament.
Explaining the process behind his decision to leave Arsenal, the ex-Bologna star told DAZN Japan via the Standard: "It wasn't a sudden decision to leave. First of all, I want to make it clear that my contract wasn't terminated unilaterally, and I didn't unilaterally say, 'I'm leaving'.
Arsenal's Spanish manager Mikel Arteta (L) congratulates Arsenal's Japanese defender #18 Takehiro Tomiyasu (R) on the pitch after the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Burnley at the Emirates Stadium in London on November 11, 2023. Arsenal won the game 3-1. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
Mikel Arteta was a big fan of Takehiro Tomiyasu
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"We had a proper discussion and came to the conclusion that this decision is best for me, for the club, and for everyone. So I'm leaving. It all ended amicably.
"From my perspective, it's the best timing. I'll be free, and most importantly, the most positive thing about this decision is that it will allow me to focus on my rehabilitation and on myself. I was there for four years, but I only played five minutes in the 2024-25 season, and I spent a whole year in rehabilitation.
"I was under a lot of stress and anxiety. To be honest, I wasn’t feeling like I was there anymore, and I was wondering, 'Is this where my future is?'"
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