Is Ex-Arsenal Defender Tomiyasu Heading to Ajax?

Takehiro Tomiyasu, the former Arsenal defender, is on the verge of joining Dutch giants Ajax on a short-term deal until the end of the current season. After not playing a first-team game for over a year due to injury, Tomiyasu is set to undergo a medical examination on Tuesday to finalise the move. This agreement comes after Arsenal and Tomiyasu mutually decided to terminate his contract early, making him a free agent.

Last updated: 15 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Tomiyasu's move to Ajax represents a fresh start for the 27-year-old Japan international, who has faced significant challenges since undergoing knee surgery in February. He has been on a rehabilitation programme since then but is now fit enough to resume his playing career. The transfer comes at a time when Arsenal has bolstered its defensive options, signing Piero Hincapie and Cristhian Mosquera, thereby limiting Tomiyasu's opportunities to return to the first team.

Key takeaways

• Tomiyasu has not participated in a first-team match for over a year.
• He is set to join Ajax on a short-term deal until the end of the season.
• The agreement with Ajax does not include any extension option.

Timeline: how we got here

Here's a brief timeline of events leading up to Tomiyasu's impending transfer to Ajax:

• February 2023: Tomiyasu undergoes knee surgery.
• July 2023: Arsenal and Tomiyasu mutually agree to terminate his contract early.
• October 2023: Tomiyasu is set to undergo a medical with Ajax.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Tomiyasu's transfer to Ajax and the upcoming medical examination are the latest developments. This move signals a significant step in his career after a long period of inactivity due to injury.

What was already established

Previously, it was known that Tomiyasu had been sidelined for an extended period. His contract termination with Arsenal was mutually agreed upon due to a lack of first-team opportunities following the club's new signings.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

Although Tomiyasu's move primarily impacts football fans and stakeholders, it highlights the broader implications of player transfers in terms of market dynamics. The transfer market remains lively as clubs seek to improve their squads.

Businesses and jobs

The signing of Tomiyasu by Ajax may create ripple effects within the club, impacting coaching staff, support staff, and even ticket sales as fans react to new signings. For Arsenal, this move might free up resources for future acquisitions.

Policy and regulation

Football transfers are subject to regulations set by governing bodies, including FIFA and UEFA. Clubs must comply with financial fair play rules, and the dynamics of player contracts can have regulatory implications, particularly when early terminations occur.

Numbers that matter

• 84: Total appearances for Arsenal by Tomiyasu since joining the club.
• 1: The number of first-team games Tomiyasu has played in over a year.
• 4: Current position of Ajax in the Eredivisie as they look to climb the league table.

Definitions and jargon buster

• Eredivisie: The highest professional football league in the Netherlands.
• Free agent: A player who is not under contract to any club and can sign with any team.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

If Tomiyasu passes his medical, he is expected to start training with Ajax immediately, aiming for match fitness to compete in the Eredivisie.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Over the next few months, Tomiyasu will need to establish himself in the Ajax squad and regain full match fitness. His performance will be crucial for both his career trajectory and the team's ambitions.

Signals to watch

• Updates on Tomiyasu's medical examination results.
• His integration into Ajax’s starting lineup and performance in upcoming matches.
• Arsenal's potential future transfer activities following Tomiyasu's departure.

Practical guidance

Do

• Monitor Tomiyasu's performances closely to assess his return to form.
• Stay informed about the dynamics of player transfers in the football market.

Don’t

• Underestimate the impact of injuries on player careers.
• Assume that a club's signing will immediately yield success without considering the player's form.

Checklist

• Check for updates on Tomiyasu's medical status.
• Follow Ajax’s matches to see how he performs.
• Keep an eye on Arsenal's response to Tomiyasu's departure.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Tomiyasu's move to Ajax appears promising, uncertainties remain regarding his long-term fitness and ability to adapt to a new league after a lengthy absence. The lack of an extension option in his contract may also limit his future with the club if he performs well.

Bottom line

Tomiyasu's impending move to Ajax could pave the way for a revitalisation of his career after a challenging year. This transfer not only highlights the fluidity of the football transfer market but also underscores the ongoing challenges players face when recovering from injuries. The next few months will be crucial for Tomiyasu as he seeks to regain his form and contribute to Ajax’s campaign.

FAQs

Why has Takehiro Tomiyasu not played for over a year?

Tomiyasu has been recovering from knee surgery, which has kept him out of first-team action since February 2023.

What does his move to Ajax mean for his career?

Joining Ajax on a short-term deal presents Tomiyasu with an opportunity to regain match fitness and showcase his abilities in a competitive league.

How has Arsenal's transfer activity affected Tomiyasu?

With Arsenal signing new defenders, Tomiyasu's chances of returning to the first team were significantly reduced, prompting his move to find regular playing time at Ajax.