A former Arsenal star is set for a return to footballplaceholder image
A former Arsenal star is set for a return to football | Arsenal FC via Getty Images
A former Arsenal player is finally about to return to football after a torrid time with injury.
Former Arsenal star Takehiro Tomiyasu has finally found a new club after more than a year away from football and months without a club. The Japan international has been through a torrid time with a knee injury that required more than one surgery.
Tomiyasu was once a key player for Arsenal, but he was released in July after around a year out with injury, including a number of frustrating setbacks that seemingly left the Arsenal medical department without answers.
The Japan international told DAZN in Japan when speaking about his departure: “It wasn’t a sudden decision to leave. First, I want to make it clear that this wasn’t a one-sided contract termination, nor did I suddenly say ‘I want to leave.’ It was a decision made after thorough discussions with the club.
“We concluded that, ‘this is the best outcome for me, the club, and everyone involved.’ That’s why I left early — it was a peaceful departure, a mutual closure. I was at Arsenal for four years, but in the 2024–25 season, I only played five minutes. I spent the entire year in rehabilitation.
“During that time, I was under a lot of pressure and uncertainty. Honestly, my heart wasn’t really in it anymore. I started asking myself, ‘Do I really have a future here?’ With all those factors [yes, I was thinking about leaving], I definitely had that thought.
“Once I had decided to leave, I went around saying goodbye to my teammates, coaches, and staff. I walked into the locker room, the staff offices, and told each person, ‘I’m leaving.’ Through this process, I truly felt again that I was really loved by everyone here. That made me very happy. My teammates were surprised too, since I still had a contract, and I was still recovering from injury.”
A new opportunity for Tomiyasu
After months without a club, attempting to return to fitness and trying to convince a club to take a chance on him, it looks as though the defender has found a club.
Tomiyasu is set to join Ajax on a short-term deal until the end of the season, with the Dutch club in need of reinforcements. Ben Jacobs posted on X: “Former Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu has agreed a short-term deal to join Ajax subject to formalities and passing a medical.”
Ajax are facing a battle to get back into Europe next season, currently fourth in Eredivisie, while they are rock bottom of the Champions League league phase and heading for a departure at this stage. Tomiyasu will now get chance to prove he can stay fit and contribute, and Arsenal fans will surely be rooting for him.
The defender represented Arsenal very well during his time at the club, and it is misfortune that saw his career at the club curtailed. Still only 27 years of age, it’s hoped he regain some momentum and recover his career, with staying fit being the ultimate key.
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