Crystal Palace leading race to sign “first-class” player who Pierre Sage loves
Crystal Palace are now the frontrunners to sign Takehiro Tomiyasu, with manager Pierre Sage considered a big fan of the former Arsenal defender.
Tomiyasu already has Premier League experience, having spent four years with the Gunners, where he displayed his versatility by playing across a back three.
With Maxence Lacroix on the verge of sealing a move to Chelsea, the Japan international could be brought in as a replacement, but he was most commonly deployed as a right-back or left-back during his time in north London.
The 27-year-old was lauded as “first-class” by Mikel Artetaand made 84 appearances for the Gunners, picking up two goals and six assists, before going on to sign for Ajax. However, he was limited to just seven outings in the Eredivisie last season, appearing for 205 minutes in total.
As such, there may be some concerns about the defender’s lack of game time over the past season, but the fact he knows the demands of English football is a bonus, and his availability on a free transfer makes a deal low-risk.
Crystal Palace now leading race to sign Takehiro Tomiyasu
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Crystal Palace are now in pole position to sign Tomiyasu, with Sage a big fan of the defender, in light of his versatility and experience.
Liverpool, Everton, Newcastle United and Sunderland are also named as potential suitors for the ex-Arsenal man, but he wants to remain in London, where he has been based since leaving the Gunners back in 2025.
The Eagles’ Europa Conference League triumph also works in their favour, as it means they will be playing in the Europa League next season, making a move to Selhurst Park an attractive proposition.
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Why Crystal Palace should sign Takehiro Tomiyasu |
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Maxence Lacroix’s impending departure |
With Lacroix poised to sign for Chelsea, Palace are going to be left light on options at the back, especially considering Marc Guehi joined Manchester City back in January. As such, Sage could do with signing a new defender, and Tomiyasu has already proven himself in the Premier League. |
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Versatility and European experience |
Moreover, the former Ajax man is also capable of playing at full-back, which means he could fill in for Tyrick Mitchell and Daniel Munoz when required. With Palace set to embark on a Europa League campaign next season, it may also be crucial to sign players with European experience, and he has already played in the competition, as well as the Champions League. |
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Low-risk deal |
Tomiyasu is available on a free transfer, which means that even if the move doesn’t work out, all Palace stand to lose is the money spent on wages. |
A more left-field option to replace Lacroix has also entered the frame, with Palace agreeing personal terms to sign Raphael Le Guen, after overtaking Fulham in the race for his signature.
However, the Stade Brest defender is just 19-years-old, and has no Premier League experience, which suggests Tomiyasu may be able to make more of an instant impact.
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