Takehiro Tomiyasu

Takehiro Tomiyasu is a versatile Japanese defender capable of playing right-back, left-back, or centre-back, who made over 200 appearances across Serie A and the Premier League before joining Ajax on a free transfer in December 2025. He is two-footed and has represented Japan at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Tomiyasu developed at Avispa Fukuoka before joining Sint-Truiden in Belgium in 2018, where he won the club's Player of the Year award. He moved to Bologna in 2019 and established himself in Serie A over two seasons with 61 appearances. Arsenal signed him in 2021 for a reported £15.5–17 million; he made 84 total appearances for the club and won the 2023 FA Community Shield before persistent knee injuries led to his contract being terminated in July 2025.

After leaving Arsenal, Tomiyasu signed for Ajax on a free transfer in December 2025, adding further Eredivisie experience. Internationally, he earned 43 caps for Japan, appeared at the 2019 AFC Asian Cup where he scored in the knockout stages, and featured at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. He had previously won the 2016 AFC U-19 Championship.