Transfer of Thomas Partey edges closer to completion, with court appearance imminent amid speculations of his move to Villarreal
Thomas Partey Faces Allegations as He Returns to Spain with Villarreal
After spending a year with Arsenal, Thomas Partey has returned to Spain to join LaLiga club Villarreal. However, the Ghanaian midfielder's move comes amidst a legal battle, as he is scheduled to appear in court in London on Tuesday at Westminster Magistrates' Court, charged with multiple counts of rape and sexual assault.
Partey, who spent eight years with Atletico Madrid before joining Arsenal in 2020, has been under investigation for almost three years. The alleged incidents occurred between 2021 and 2022, during his time at Arsenal.
In a court appearance on August 5, 2025, at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London, Partey was charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. He was granted conditional bail with conditions including no contact with the complainants and reporting any changes of address or travel plans.
Partey denies all charges and his lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire, has stated that he now welcomes the opportunity to clear his name. Mikel Arteta, Arsenal manager, has expressed confidence that the club followed the right process around Partey's case. He stated, "100 per cent, yes," when asked about whether he felt the club followed the right processes.
Despite the ongoing legal proceedings, Partey has completed a medical and agreed to a one-year contract with Villarreal. The extension in his contract with the Spanish club allows him to participate in the Champions League next season. His contract also includes an option to extend for another year.
Meanwhile, Arsenal and Villarreal are set to play a friendly match at Emirates Stadium on Wednesday. The match will undoubtedly be a significant event, given the circumstances surrounding Partey's departure from Arsenal.
The case is now moving to the Crown Court at the Old Bailey, with Partey's next court appearance scheduled for September 2, 2025.
[1] BBC News, "Thomas Partey appears in court on rape and sexual assault charges," August 5, 2025. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/58102168
[2] Sky Sports, "Thomas Partey charged with rape and sexual assault," August 5, 2025. [online] Available at: https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/12404833/thomas-partey-charged-with-rape-and-sexual-assault
[3] The Guardian, "Thomas Partey charged with five counts of rape and one of sexual assault," August 5, 2025. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/aug/05/thomas-partey-charged-with-five-counts-of-rape-and-one-of-sexual-assault-in-uk-court-case
- The ongoing legal battle involving Thomas Partey, a footballer who has returned to Spain to join Villarreal, centers around charges of rape and sexual assault he is facing in a European court.
- As Partey prepares for his next court appearance on September 2 at the Old Bailey, he continues to participate in the European leagues, having agreed to a one-year contract with Villarreal.
- Despite the controversy surrounding Thomas Partey's recent charges for crimes and justice, his move to Villarreal has brought an unexpected twist to the sports world, particularly in the realm of football and the Premier League.
