Tomiyasu Close to Serie A Return with Sassuolo

At a Crossroads After Free Transfer

Takehiro Tomiyasu, now 27, is on the market after leaving Ajax on a free transfer following his spell at Arsenal. The versatile defender can operate centrally, at right‑back or left‑back, giving clubs flexibility in their back‑line plans. He is currently without a contract, making him an attractive free‑agent option for clubs looking to reinforce their defensive ranks without a significant outlay.

Italian Clubs Circle the Japanese Defender

Two Serie A sides, Sassuolo and newly‑promoted Venezia, are engaged in talks with Tomiyasu’s representatives about a possible return to Italy. Venezia’s interest intensified after learning that Marin Sverko will require surgery, sidelining him for several months. According to Italian outlet Tuttomercatoweb, negotiations are ongoing and both clubs view the Japanese international as a solid reinforcement.

Back to Bologna? Injury and Redemption

Tomiyasu previously enjoyed a four‑year spell with Bologna from 2019 to 2021, making 61 Serie A appearances and contributing three goals and three assists. His move to Arsenal in the summer of 2021 commanded an €18.6 million fee. A serious knee injury halted his progress, keeping him out from July 2024 until October 2025, but he still featured for Japan in the 2026 World Cup campaign.