Former Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu is poised for a dramatic football comeback, with Dutch giants Ajax emerging as a potential destination for the free agent.
Injury Nightmare and Arsenal Exit
The Japanese international's time at the Emirates Stadium was brutally cut short by persistent fitness issues. Tomiyasu managed a mere six minutes of first-team action during the entire 2024-25 campaign, and has not played a competitive match for 14 months. His struggles culminated in a second knee surgery within three years.
In a significant decision last July, Arsenal agreed to terminate the 27-year-old's contract, which was originally set to run until 2026. Tomiyasu has clarified that the departure was a mutual agreement, not a unilateral decision by the club. "We had a proper discussion and came to the conclusion that this decision is best for me, for the club, and for everyone," he told DAZN Japan.
Reflecting on his final, frustrating year in North London, spent almost entirely in rehabilitation, Tomiyasu admitted: "I was under a lot of stress and anxiety. To be honest, I wasn’t feeling like I was there anymore."
Ajax See a 'Golden Opportunity'
Now, after recovering from surgery in Japan, Tomiyasu is actively seeking a new club to revive his career. According to reports from Dutch publication Voetbal International, Ajax are among several clubs monitoring his situation.
The Eredivisie side, currently fourth in their domestic league and struggling in the Champions League, view the versatile defender as a prime target. They believe his experience in the Premier League and Serie A, coupled with Champions League appearances, represents a 'golden opportunity' to bolster an inexperienced back line.
Tomiyasu, who joined Arsenal from Bologna in 2021 for £17 million and made 79 appearances for the Gunners, offers valuable flexibility, being capable of playing anywhere across the defence.
World Cup Dream Drives Comeback
A major motivating factor for the player is the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Tomiyasu is determined to return to the international stage and help Japan, who coincidentally are in the same group as the Netherlands for the tournament.
Finding a new club and regaining match fitness in time for the global event is his clear objective. His availability on a free transfer makes him an attractive, low-risk proposition for clubs like Ajax.
While it is not yet known if Tomiyasu would favour a move to Amsterdam, the link highlights a potentially shrewd piece of business for the Dutch club as they look to rebuild. For the player, it represents a crucial chance to end an agonising chapter and write a new one on the pitch.
