Former Arsenal defender Tomiyasu Joins Ajax on a Six-Month Deal: A New Chapter for the Japanese Star
BERLIN - Takehiro Tomiyasu, the former Arsenal defender, has signed a six-month deal with Ajax, the Dutch football powerhouse announced on Tuesday. This move sees Tomiyasu reunite with fellow Japan international Ko Itakura in Amsterdam, as they aim to prove their fitness and form for the upcoming World Cup.
Tomiyasu's journey with the Gunners came to an end in July, after a season where he only played a mere six minutes in the English Premier League. The 27-year-old has been working hard to recover from a recent knee surgery in February, and is now ready to embark on a new challenge.
"I feel incredibly excited and honored to be here at Ajax," Tomiyasu expressed on the club's website. "I want to thank everyone who has supported me during my recovery, as it's been a challenging 12 months. But I never lost hope, and my hard work has paid off. This is a fresh start for me, and I'm eager to contribute to the team's success."
With 42 caps for Japan, Tomiyasu last played for the Samurai Blue in June 2024. He is now determined to make the World Cup squad under coach Hajime Moriyasu, and his familiarity with Itakura will be a significant advantage.
"Having Ko Itakura as a teammate is fantastic," Tomiyasu said of his close friend. "We've been playing together since I was 16, so we have a deep understanding of each other's game. It's a great opportunity to play alongside someone I know so well."
Versatile and adaptable, Tomiyasu can play anywhere across the backline. He began his professional career with Avispa Fukuoka, before moving to Sint-Truiden and Bologna, and eventually joining Arsenal in 2021. During his time with the Gunners, he made 84 appearances across all competitions.
Ajax currently sit in third place in the Eredivisie, 14 points behind leaders PSV Eindhoven. However, the club is facing challenges in the Champions League, where they are struggling near the bottom of the league phase. Despite these obstacles, Tomiyasu is confident in Ajax's potential.
"I believe in Ajax's ability and quality," Tomiyasu stated. "That's why I chose to join this club. We have a talented group of young players, and while we're facing some difficulties, I think we still have a chance to win the league."
Tomiyasu's experience at one of the world's biggest clubs will be invaluable for the team's development. He aims to set a positive example for the young players, both on and off the pitch, as he embarks on this new chapter with Ajax.
