Takehiro Tomiyasu is on the verge of sealing a return to Italian football with Venezia, with the Japan international set to join the newly-promoted Serie A side as a free agent.
The 27-year-old has reached an understanding with the Lagunari over a three-year contract worth approximately €1 million net per season plus performance-related bonuses. Reports suggest the deal could be finalised within days, marking the end of a brief stint in the Netherlands.
Injury crisis forces Venezia hand
Venezia’s urgency to secure defensive reinforcements intensified following confirmation that Marin Sverko requires corrective hip surgery. The defender faces three to four months on the sidelines, leaving the club desperately short of options at the back ahead of their return to the top flight.
Tomiyasu arrives without a transfer fee after his six-month spell at Ajax concluded. He joined the Dutch giants on a free transfer from Arsenal last summer but managed only seven appearances. His ability to operate across the defensive line—whether at centre-back, right-back or left-back—addresses Venezia’s immediate tactical needs.
From Bologna to Arsenal and back
The move represents a homecoming to Serie A for the Japanese star, who previously impressed during two seasons with Bologna between 2019 and 2021. Across 61 league appearances for the Rossoblu, he scored three goals and provided three assists, performances that eventually convinced Arsenal to pay €19 million for his services.
Tomiyasu’s time in North London was subsequently plagued by fitness issues, including a serious knee injury that kept him out of action from July 2024 to October 2025. Nevertheless, he fought his way back to full fitness in time to represent Japan at this summer’s World Cup, demonstrating his enduring quality on the international stage.
While Sassuolo had also held negotiations regarding a potential move, Venezia have emerged as the frontrunners and are now poised to complete the signing.