Takehiro Tomiyasu (25) wraps up his time with Arsenal and embarks on a new challenge. After losing opportunities to play due to repeated injuries, he terminated his contract by mutual agreement with Arsenal.
Arsenal announced on the 5th (Korean time) that "we have agreed to terminate the contract with Tomiyasu. His playing time has been extremely limited over the past two seasons due to the effects of injuries. This decision was made for the player's career realignment," the club stated.
After leaving Italy's Bologna in the summer of 2021, Tomiyasu quickly made a strong impression in the Premier League, showcasing rare adaptability for an Asian defender. However, his performance did not last long. He was sidelined repeatedly due to consecutive knee injuries and two surgeries, and in the 2024-2025 season, he was limited to just 6 minutes in a single match, essentially losing his position within the team.
He is now seeking a new path after leaving Arsenal. Sportitch Annex reported that "Tomiyasu has recently drawn interest from a Saudi Arabian club, but he wants to continue his career on the European stage." This is seen as a move in consideration of the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Tomiyasu also left a direct farewell message on his social media. He stated, "It has been an unforgettable 4 years. My time with Arsenal was an important part of my life," adding, "Above all, I sincerely thank the fans for the love I received. A new chapter is about to begin, but I will always take pride in being a part of the Gunners."
After leaving J.League's Avispa Fukuoka in 2018, Tomiyasu started his life in Europe at Belgium's Sint-Truidense, quickly growing through Bologna to Arsenal, establishing himself as a new flagship defender of Japanese football. However, injuries have hindered him, and he has not achieved the expected results on the Premier League stage.
In contrast to Hiroki Ito, who is under strict protection at Bayern Munich, he has shown a solid presence despite continuing midfoot injuries. Ito, competing with Min-jae Kim for the starting spot, has had extremely limited playing time and remains optimistic.
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