Villarreal Club de Fútbol secures Thomas Partey with a single-year contract following his departure from Arsenal F.C. in La Liga.
Thomas Partey Joins Villarreal Amidst Legal Proceedings
Thomas Partey, the Ghanaian midfielder who played an integral role in Arsenal's second-place finish in the Premier League last season, has agreed to join Villarreal ahead of the 2025-26 season. The defensive midfielder has signed a one-year contract with the Spanish club, returning to Spain where he played previously before Arsenal.
Partey's transfer to Villarreal comes after his contract with Arsenal expired and he was granted conditional bail in the UK on charges of five counts of rape and one of sexual assault, which he denies. The allegations relate to incidents during 2021-2022 in London, and he is due to appear at the Old Bailey on September 2, 2025.
Villarreal CF acknowledges the ongoing situation in their statement, affirming Partey's presumption of innocence and strongly committing to respect and diversity. The club firmly condemns any act of violence in all its forms, including gender-based violence, discrimination, racism, xenophobia, or any behaviour that undermines the dignity of individuals.
Partey made 130 Premier League appearances for Arsenal, registering 14 goal involvements. Last season, he made 52 appearances across all competitions for the club. Due to English law regarding ongoing proceedings, Villarreal CF is unable to comment further.
Partey debuted for Villarreal in early August 2025 and is expected to play regularly in midfield. The club will await the outcome of the judicial process to clarify the facts of the case.
In a statement, Villarreal CF expressed, "We respect the fundamental principle of the presumption of innocence and will not comment further on the specifics of the case. As a club, we are committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all, and we strongly oppose all forms of violence, including gender-based violence, discrimination, racism, xenophobia, and any behaviour that undermines the dignity of individuals."
Thomas Partey will continue to indulge in his passion for football, especially European leagues, as he joins Villarreal for the upcoming 2025-26 season. This move will not only give him an opportunity to showcase his skills in Laliga, but also reunite him with the Spanish club he previously represented before Arsenal. After his stint with Arsenal in the Premier League, sports enthusiasts can anticipate watching him excel in sports once more, post the legal proceedings against him in the UK.
