Takehiro Tomiyasu has agreed a short-term deal to join Ajax, but only if he can prove his fitness after a long-term injury absence that ultimately ended his Arsenal spell.
Following reports of Ajax interest earlier in the week, football insider HandofArsenal provided an update on their Instagram story that Takehiro Tomiyasu has reached a short-term agreement with Ajax subject to a medical.
The defender reportedly had interest from the Premier League and Serie A clubs, but it seems Ajax are closing in on the signing.
If the season goes well, Ajax may then offer Tomiyasu a long-term deal, but there will obviously be reservations at this stage given the player’s injury history and the fact he’s spent the year sidelined with an ACL problem.
Journalist Ben Jacobs confirms that Tomiyasu has agreed a short-term deal to join Ajax, subject to formalities and passing a medical. The medical itself is certainly not just a formality, as Ajax will want to see the evidence the 27-year-old is now ready to play regular football.
But for Tomiyasu, this deal agreement is excellent news and a great first step towards restarting his playing career. To return to the pitch with a good club like Ajax would be a major boost, particularly with the World Cup coming up next summer.
For what it’s worth, Japan boss Hajime Moriyasu recently suggested Tomiyasu still has a fair chance to be involved in the World Cup tournament.
“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 is a starter for Japan whenever he’s fit. The defender did play a couple of the early games of Japan’s World Cup qualification campaign, but his last appearance for the side was in June 2024. With any luck, he’ll be back involved by next March.