Villarreal CF has made headlines by signing Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey on a one-year contract, following the expiration of his Arsenal deal. The 32-year-old free agent will bolster the Yellow Submarine’s midfield for the 2025–26 season, a move confirmed in a public statement by the club.
According to the official announcement, Partey is expected to join his new teammates at the club’s training facilities imminently.
In their statement, Villarreal described him as “a complete midfielder with great stamina and exceptional physical attributes,” emphasizing his ball‑winning prowess, capacity to initiate plays from deeper positions, mid‑range shooting ability, and dynamic forward drives.
His experience includes over 50 caps for Ghana, spells with Atlético Madrid, Mallorca, Almería, and Arsenal, and a trophy haul featuring the 2020–21 LaLiga crown, the 2017–18 Europa League, the 2018–19 Uefa Super Cup, and the 2023–24 FA Community Shield.
Yet, the signing is mired in controversy. Partey faces serious legal charges in England—five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, involving three women and alleged to have occurred between 2021 and 2022.
He was granted conditional bail following a court appearance at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on August 5, with his next hearing at the Old Bailey scheduled for September 2.
In response to the situation, Villarreal reiterated its support for Partey’s presumption of innocence. The club stressed that it was “aware that the player is currently involved in legal proceedings in England,” and affirmed that “the player firmly maintains his innocence and denies all charges against him.”
They underscored their commitment to “respect and diversity” and their condemnation of violence, discrimination, racism, xenophobia, or any behavior that undermines dignity.
Notably, in a statement reported by Cadena SER, Villarreal also indicated that they would terminate Partey’s contract automatically should he be found guilty in court—a clause underscoring the legal and ethical gravity of the situation.
The reaction among fans and the broader football community has been sharply divided. Reports from The Guardian reveal substantial opposition from Villarreal supporters, including a petition branding the transfer as the club’s “darkest day.” Meanwhile, parts of the community have defended the signing on the grounds of legal due process.
From a sporting perspective, the acquisition of Partey—who featured prominently for Arsenal in recent seasons—is seen as a significant asset for Villarreal. In 2024–25, he tallied 52 appearances across all competitions and played a key role in Arsenal’s second-place finish in the Premier League.
Despite the contentious backdrop, Villarreal appears intent on integrating Partey into the squad promptly. The club’s official communication indicated he will link up with the team at training “tomorrow,” pointing to around August 8 or 9, depending on local scheduling.