Japanese defender Takehiro Tomiyasu (27) is ultimately parting ways with Arsenal. Both sides have agreed to terminate the contract, and Tomiyasu's challenge in the Premier League, marred by injuries, is coming to an end.
The British 'BBC' reported on the 4th (Korea time) that "Tomiyasu has agreed to terminate his contract early with Arsenal. Both sides have mutually agreed to the contract termination, and Tomiyasu will end his contract, originally set to last until Summer 2025, one year earlier."
Tomiyasu is a tall defender at 188 cm, proficient with both feet, possessing speed and excellent spatial coverage. He joined Arsenal in the summer of 2021 after leaving Bologna and is a versatile defensive asset capable of playing center back, right back, and left back.
Though he entered the Premier League with expectations, the biggest variable was injuries rather than local adaptation. Tomiyasu struggled with various injuries since his debut season, preventing him from maintaining stable playing opportunities. Over three seasons, he proved his skills with 84 official matches (79 in the league), but his physical condition hindered him from demonstrating more.
The situation didn’t improve in the 2023-2024 season. He missed the season opener due to a knee injury, and after returning, he experienced pain again that eventually led to surgery in February. After the surgery, he played only 6 minutes throughout the entire season. BBC noted that "Tomiyasu is in rehabilitation after surgery and still needs 5 more months to recover."
The same situation occurred during this summer's preseason. Arsenal is undergoing a preseason schedule, including a tour of the United States, ahead of the 2024-2025 season, but Tomiyasu could not participate as he focused on his recovery. Although he is a defender carrying the expectations of Japanese football fans, repeated injuries have made further challenges difficult.
Meanwhile, Arsenal is considering Tomiyasu's absence and has begun strengthening the defense in the summer transfer market. They have identified Valencia center-back Cristian Mosquera as a key target, and Kieran Tierney has already transferred to Celtic. The possibility of Oleksandr Zinchenko leaving the team before the transfer window closes is also being mentioned.
Upon entering the Premier League in 2021, Tomiyasu was noted as a rare all-rounder among Japanese defenders. However, his journey in the Premier League has been harsh. Parting ways with Arsenal could be a signal for a new challenge, but first, he needs a complete recovery.
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