Japan International Takehiro Tomiyasu's Spell At Arsenal Comes To An End
- Think Football Ideas
- Jul 4
- 2 min read
Mutual Agreement Brings Chapter To A Close
Takehiro Tomiyasu’s time at Arsenal has ended, with the club and the Japan international agreeing to part ways by mutual consent.
It’s not the farewell anyone would’ve scripted for the versatile defender, who arrived in North London from Bologna in 2021 with promise and poise. But football, like life, has a way of writing its twists.
Battles With Injury Took Their Toll
The 26-year-old full-back, known for his composure and commitment, has spent more time recovering than competing in recent months. Following knee surgery earlier this year, Tomiyasu now faces up to five more months of rehabilitation.
It came after another frustrating start to the 2024–25 season when a prior knee injury, which also required surgery, kept him sidelined. Across the entire campaign, he managed just six minutes of action.
From Fukuoka Roots To Premier League Lights
Tomiyasu’s footballing path is a story of dedication, adaptability, and relentless progression. Born in Fukuoka, Japan, he was first scouted by local grassroots side Sanchiku Kickers before joining the youth academy of Avispa Fukuoka in 2009. Even in his early years, his calm demeanour and positional intelligence stood out.
By 2015, he had broken into Avispa’s senior squad, becoming a first-team regular and making 45 appearances over two seasons in Japan’s top divisions. In 2018, Belgian side Sint-Truiden came calling, a move that proved pivotal.
There, Tomiyasu adapted rapidly to the European game. His blend of physicality, tactical awareness, and positional versatility earned him the club’s Player of the Season award in 2018–19.
That form caught the attention of Serie A scouts. Bologna swooped in, and over two seasons in Italy, Tomiyasu solidified his place as one of the league’s most dependable young defenders, equally capable at centre-back and right-back.
By the time Arsenal signed him in 2021, he had proven himself in three different leagues as a composed, intelligent defender who brought a modern edge with old-school grit.
Legacy And Next Steps
Though injuries limited his time on the pitch, Tomiyasu made 79 appearances in Arsenal colours and showed flashes of the steady presence he could be when fit. His defensive reliability and quiet leadership never went unnoticed.
Internationally, he remains a vital figure for Japan, with 42 caps already to his name, and more to come once he's back to full fitness.
Arsenal Begin Defensive Rebuild
With Tomiyasu’s departure now official, Arsenal are shifting their focus to defensive reinforcements. Valencia centre-back Cristhian Mosquera has emerged as a top target.
The club has already seen Kieran Tierney return to Celtic, and the future of Oleksandr Zinchenko remains uncertain as the summer window heats up.
Comments