Palace set to sign Tomiyasu and consider March deal
Crystal Palace are set to sign defender Takehiro Tomiyasu on a free transfer following a successful trial, and are also weighing up a move for winger Solly March. The Japan international's arrival would strengthen a defence weakened by Maxence Lacroix's departure to Chelsea, with head coach Pierre Sage reportedly planning to deploy three central defenders next season.
Tomiyasu, 27, left Arsenal by mutual consent and has since made eight appearances for Ajax and featured for Japan at the World Cup, though his career has recently been disrupted by knee problems, prompting Palace to seek assurances over his fitness before finalising terms. He is seen as an option on the left of a back three, while March, 32, who left Brighton at the end of last season, has been recommended to the club and discussed internally. Palace are also exploring a possible loan for Chelsea's Josh Acheampong and retain interest in Brest centre-back Raphael Le Guen as they bolster their defensive options this summer.
- Palace set to sign free agent Takehiro Tomiyasu after successful trial
- Club also considering a move for winger Solly March
- Defensive rebuild follows Maxence Lacroix's transfer to Chelsea
New here? Start with this
Crystal Palace are a football club in south London, and Brighton & Hove Albion are their rivals on the south coast. Clubs build their squads through transfers, including free transfers for players whose previous contracts have ended; they may also borrow players from other clubs on loan.
Takehiro Tomiyasu is a Japanese defender who has played for Arsenal and Ajax, while Solly March is an English winger formerly with Brighton. A defender’s knee problems can affect availability, so clubs may check fitness before agreeing a move.
Palace’s defence has changed after Maxence Lacroix left for Chelsea, and head coach Pierre Sage is planning to use three central defenders. Adding defenders could give the team more options for that system, while a winger such as March would strengthen a different area of the squad.