Crystal Palace strengthened their squad at both ends of the spectrum this week, confirming a free-transfer arrival with a World Cup pedigree alongside a first professional contract for one of their most promising academy graduates.
Takehiro Tomiyasu becomes head coach Pierre Sage's second signing of the summer, following Óscar Mingueza's arrival, after training with the squad and impressing sufficiently to earn a permanent deal; the length of his contract has not been disclosed.
The 27-year-old former Arsenal defender, capable of playing at full-back or centre-back, had been a free agent since leaving Ajax, where he spent the second half of last season, and started for Japan in their World Cup exit to Brazil this summer.
Chairman Steve Parish pointed to that pedigree in welcoming the defender: "Takehiro has experience at the highest level of European and international football.
"We are delighted to welcome a player of his calibre to the club and believe he will prove to be a great addition to the squad."
Tomiyasu, for his part, cited Palace's recent trophy haul under previous manager Oliver Glasner as a factor in the move.
"I'm excited to get started. This club is in a good moment, winning three titles in two seasons. Here is where I wanted to be," he said, referencing Palace's FA Cup, Community Shield and Conference League successes over the past two campaigns.
At the other end of the club's structure, 17-year-old Dotun Lamidi has put pen to paper on his first professional deal after a breakthrough year with the Under-18s. Lamidi arrived at Selhurst Park from Watford in the summer of 2025, having spent two seasons in the Hornets' academy, and quickly established himself under Javier Alonso, making 16 appearances and registering an assist as Palace's Under-18s reached the FA Youth Cup semi-finals for the first time in almost three decades and won the club's first-ever Under-18 Premier League Cup.
Strong form also earned him a place in Darren Powell's Under-21 squad for a Premier League 2 fixture at Nottingham Forest late in the season.
"I feel delighted. This is a new step for me, and I'm so grateful for the opportunity. I'm not going to take it for granted - I'll keep working hard every day," Lamidi said of signing his first pro terms.
Academy director Gary Issott praised his progress: "Dots has settled quickly into life at Palace during his first year as a scholar and played his part in a historic season for the U18s. Earning his first professional contract is a reward for his progress, and we're looking forward to seeing him continue his development with us."