Ajax are weighing up a January move for Takehiro Tomiyasu after the former Arsenal defender became available as a free agent following the early termination of his contract in north London.
Dutch outlet Voetbal International report that the 27-year-old has been identified as a potential solution to Ajax’s defensive problems, with the club viewing his availability as a rare opportunity despite his longstanding fitness concerns.
Arsenal paid just under €20 million to sign Tomiyasu from Bologna in 2021 and he went on to make 84 appearances in all competitions, featuring across all four defensive positions under Mikel Arteta.
His time in England was repeatedly disrupted by knee injuries and he was restricted to just six minutes of action last season before undergoing surgery in February.
A few months later his contract was ended by mutual consent so that he could complete his rehabilitation in Japan.
Ajax’s interest comes with a clear element of risk, but the Dutch club believe his experience at Premier League and international level could help stabilise a back line that has struggled for consistency this season.
Reports in both the Netherlands and the UK describe Ajax as being “really keen” on the move and prepared to accept the medical uncertainty if Tomiyasu can prove his fitness.
Despite being without a club, Tomiyasu remains firmly in the thinking of Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu as his national side prepare for the 2026 World Cup. Japan secured qualification in March, but Moriyasu has stressed that Tomiyasu is still competing for a place if his recovery stays on track.
“To answer simply, I think he can make it,” Moriyasu said. “If he is in good shape, he will be a candidate to help Japan challenge to win the World Cup in North America.”
Tomiyasu last played for Japan in June 2024 and his absence since has left his international future uncertain. He addressed the circumstances of his Arsenal departure over the summer and outlined the strain of a season spent almost entirely in rehabilitation.
“It wasn’t a sudden decision to leave,” he said. “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’.
“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. 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.
“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.”
For Ajax, the calculation is straightforward. If Tomiyasu can return to anything close to full fitness, they would be securing a proven international defender without a transfer fee at a point in the season where depth and reliability are becoming critical.
Whether his body will finally allow him a sustained run remains unknown. Hopefully, it can.