- Planet Sport writer
- 20 March 2024
Takehiro Tomiyasu signs new Arsenal contract
Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu has penned a new contract with the Premier League side.
Takehiro Tomiyasu is a professional Japanese soccer player who plays in defence for Arsenal in the Premier League.
After progressing up the ranks at Japanese side Avispa Fukuoka, Tomiyasu moved to Belgium to progress his career at Sint-Truidense, before transferring to Italian club Bologna.
However, on the summer transfer deadline day in 2021, the defender signed for Premier League side Arsenal, who added Tomiyasu as cover for their defence.
Home country soccer
Tomiyasu is one of Japan's hottest talents with many believing he has the ability to become a soccer legend. The prospect was discovered in his native and the word quickly spread about his talent.
The defender earned himself a youth academy spot at FC Barcelona at a very young age, but travel issues stopped Tomiyasu from representing them.
However, he would later join local side Avispa Fukuoka. After progressing through the youth ranks, displaying his ability to successfully play in defence, Tomiyasu signed his first senior contract with Avispa Fukuoka.
The defender made his debut for the club in October 2015, starting in a 2-0 defeat to Machida Zelvia in the third round of the Emperor's Cup.
In the 2015/16 season, Tomiyasu spent half the season watching his side from the sidelines. However, after making his league debut, the Japanese international became an integral part of his sides makeup.
He ended the campaign with 16 appearances to his name aged 18. In the next season, the defender would play in his favoured position, centre-back.
In the season where he scored his first career goal, Tomiyasu appeared 39 times for Avispa Fukuoka, helping his side reach the J1 League Promotion Playoffs, but fail in the final.
After a successful start to a promising career, Tomiyasu decided to make a move to Europe.
Belgian development
Europe welcomed Tomiyasu to Belgium first division side Sint-Truidense VV although an ankle injury delayed his awaited debut for the club.
After missing out on the whole season in Belgium, Tomiyasu made his debut during a 2-1 win over Royal Antwerp, recording one minute in the 2017/18 season.
Tomiyasu made 40 appearances in the following 18/19 campaign, aiding his side to a seventh-place finish.
His defensive skills, accompanied by his speed and technical abilities caught the attention of more clubs across Europe as he won Sint-Truidense VV Player of the Year award.
Italy would be his next destination.
Experience in Bologna
After making a statement in Belgium, Tomiyasu joined Bologna in 2019 for $10.7million and would instantly become a solid member of the backline.
He became the second Japanese soccer player to play in Italy after the great Hidetoshi Nakata. Tomiyasu chose Italy due to its defensive focus, with the chance to adapt his game.
Tomiyasu made his debut against AC Pisa in the Coppa Italia in August, which would be the start of a successful year for the defender.
During his league debut, a 1-1 drew against Hellas Verona, he was awarded his first Man of the Match award, which was later followed by Bologna's Player of the Month award for August.
He returned to first-team action after recovering from a Biceps femoris muscle injury and made 30 appearances during his first season in Italy, establishing himself as a key first-team player.
During his second season at Bologna, he would express his versatility as a defender, playing in many roles across the defensive line.
Throughout his 33 appearances in 2020/21, Tomiyasu played centre-back 17 times, right-back 14 times, and left-back twice. He received high praise for his performances on the left and right sides.
His performances would increase in quality as the weeks went by, even scoring twice throughout the campaign. However, once again his season would be interrupted due to injury problems, calf and muscle issues.
But he would finish the season's last five fixtures with his head held high, with his displays in Italy gaining attention from the Premier League.
The summer transfer window saw clubs such as Tottenham Hotspur and Italian side Atalanta linked with Tomiyasu. However, the defender would transfer to the red side of north London, signing for Arsenal on transfer deadline day.
International career
Tomiyasu has dominated the Japanese international scene ever since his trial with Barcelona. Having played for the Under-14s and Under-15s, he worked his way up through all the age groups, and into the first team.
With Japan Under-18s, he played for his national side in the Panda Cup. Despite Tomiyasu only playing twice, his side won the competition.
Further youth success was to come as the defender was called up to the Japan Under-19s for the AFC U-19 Championship. After scoring in a 3-0 win over Qatar in Japan's second game, Tomiyasu would aid his side reach the final of the competition.
Starting in the final, Japan faced penalties against Saudi Arabia in the final which Tomiyasu's side won 5-3 to win the Championship.
He was further called up to the Under-20s for the U-20 World Cup, as well as the Under-21s for the Toulon Tournament.
In 2019, Tomiyasu made his senior Japan debut in a 3-0 international friendly win against Panama. After his debut, he was awarded the chance to play in the AFC Asian Cup in 2019. Tomiyasu's side reached the final before being beaten by Qatar.
The defender has featured 23 times for the Japanese first team, including the Copa America 2019, World Cup qualifications, and the 2020 Olympic Games.
Personal life
From a young age, Tomiyasu wanted to become a soccer player, idolising Javier Mascherano as a child. Although, the defender has stated that he was close to following his two sisters in swimming instead before switching to soccer.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, he was a member of the players and staff who agreed to give up a month's salary to aid the club's finances. Tomiyasu also donated 1,000 masks to his former club Avispa Fukuoka's academy.
Net worth
Takehiro Tomiyasu's net worth is believed to be around $1.94million, according to Salary Sport.
