Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey, aged 32, signed a two-year contract with Spanish La Liga club Villarreal CF, marking his return to Spain after his contract with Arsenal expired on June 30, 2025.
According to Ghanasoccernet.com, Partey, a free agent, completed a medical examination and is set to be unveiled by Villarreal in the coming days.
The opportunity to continue playing UEFA Champions League football, following Villarreal’s fifth-place finish in La Liga last season, was a key factor in his decision to join the Estadio de la Cerámica outfit.
Partey, who previously played for Atlético Madrid from 2013 to 2020, winning the UEFA Europa League and UEFA Super Cup in 2018, brings significant experience to Villarreal’s midfield. His tenure at Arsenal saw him make 167 appearances, scoring nine goals, though his time was marred by injuries and a recent legal challenge.
On July 4, 2025, Partey was charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault in London, related to alleged incidents between 2021 and 2022.
He denies the allegations and is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on August 5, 2025. Despite these legal proceedings, Villarreal proceeded with the signing, as reported by sources including The Athletic and Diario AS.
The move has sparked mixed reactions. Some fans on X expressed confusion over Partey’s decision to join Villarreal after rejecting Arsenal’s contract extension due to wage disputes, while others criticized Villarreal for signing him amid the serious allegations.
Villarreal’s sporting director highlighted Partey’s experience as a strategic addition for their Champions League and La Liga campaigns, with the club set to face Real Oviedo in their season opener on August 15, 2025.
Partey’s return to La Liga is seen as an opportunity to revive his career, though his legal challenges remain a significant backdrop
