Spanish football club Villarreal has made headlines across Europe and beyond with its recent signing of Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey, a move that has ignited both excitement and controversy in equal measure. Partey, 32, joins the La Liga side on a free transfer following the expiration of his contract with Arsenal at the end of June 2025. His arrival comes just days after he was granted conditional bail in London, where he faces five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault stemming from alleged incidents that occurred between 2021 and 2022.
The announcement was made official on August 7, 2025, with Villarreal confirming that Partey had signed a two-year deal, structured as an initial one-year contract with an option for a further twelve months. The midfielder is expected to join up with the team at their training ground on August 8, just ahead of the new La Liga campaign. Villarreal’s Champions League qualification, secured by a fifth-place finish last season, was reportedly a significant factor in Partey’s decision to join the club.
Yet, the transfer has been anything but straightforward. The charges against Partey were brought on July 4, 2025, only four days after his departure from Arsenal, following a police investigation that began in February 2022. According to the Metropolitan Police, Partey faces two counts of rape involving one woman, three counts of rape involving a second woman, and one count of sexual assault against a third. The midfielder has consistently denied all allegations. His lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire, stated emphatically to CNN Sports, “Partey denies all the charges against him and welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name.”
After appearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on August 5, Partey was granted conditional bail. The terms require him not to contact any of the alleged victims and to notify police of any permanent address changes or international travel at least 24 hours in advance. He is scheduled to appear at London’s Old Bailey on September 2, 2025, where he will be able to submit a plea for the first time. The legal proceedings are ongoing, and under British law, public commentary on the case remains limited.
Villarreal has been careful to acknowledge the gravity of the situation while emphasizing the principles of due process. In a statement released alongside the signing announcement, the club said, “The club is also aware that the player is currently involved in legal proceeding in England. The player firmly maintains his innocence and denies all charges against him. The club respects the fundamental principle of the presumption of innocence and will await the outcome of the judicial process, which will be responsible for clarifying the facts of the case. Due to the law in England in relation to ongoing proceedings the club is unable to comment further.”
Villarreal further reiterated its organizational values: “Villarreal CF wishes to clearly reiterate its strong commitment to respect and diversity and 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.”
The response from the public and the club’s supporters has been deeply divided. On social media, hundreds of replies to Villarreal’s official announcement have voiced opposition to the move, with nearly 1,000 fans reportedly signing a petition protesting Partey’s signing, according to the Villarreal Report. Despite the backlash, there are those within the fanbase who have welcomed the acquisition. Borja Jiménez, president of the “L’Os Groc” supporter group in Madrid, told CNN Sports, “He is a signing of renown and experience who could prove influential on the pitch.” Jiménez also pointed out that the club’s qualification for the Champions League would have been a “deciding factor” in Partey’s decision to join.
Partey’s footballing credentials are undeniable. He joined Arsenal from Atlético Madrid in October 2020 for a reported £45 million (€50 million), making 167 appearances for the Gunners and scoring nine goals during his five-year spell. Last season alone, he featured 52 times for Arsenal, netting four goals and helping the team lift the FA Community Shield in 2023. Prior to his Premier League tenure, Partey enjoyed a successful stint at Atlético Madrid, where he won the La Liga title, the UEFA Super Cup, and the Europa League. On the international stage, he has been capped 51 times by Ghana.
Villarreal’s acquisition of Partey is as much about bolstering their squad for the demands of European competition as it is about making a statement of intent in the domestic league. The club, often referred to as “The Yellow Submarine,” has steadily established itself as a force in Spanish football, earning Champions League qualification for the upcoming season. The hope among supporters is that Partey’s experience and versatility in midfield—he has also played at right-back—will add steel and creativity to a team looking to make a deep run both domestically and on the continent.
Still, the controversy surrounding Partey’s legal situation is impossible to ignore. The club’s leadership has walked a fine line, attempting to balance the presumption of innocence with a clear condemnation of violence and discrimination. This duality is reflected in their official communications, which have repeatedly stressed respect for the judicial process while affirming the club’s commitment to ethical conduct and human dignity.
Behind the scenes, reports from The Athletic indicate that Partey and Arsenal had been in talks earlier in 2025 regarding a possible contract extension, but no agreement could be reached. That impasse, coupled with the impending legal case, set the stage for his eventual exit and subsequent move to Spain. For Villarreal, the opportunity to sign a player of Partey’s caliber on a free transfer—especially with Champions League football on offer—proved too tempting to pass up, despite the off-field complexities.
As the new La Liga season approaches, all eyes will be on Villarreal and their latest acquisition. Partey is expected to join his new teammates immediately, with the club’s recent 3-2 friendly win over Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium adding a layer of intrigue to his return to English football—albeit on the other side of the pitch. Whether he will be able to focus on matters on the field amid the ongoing legal proceedings remains to be seen.
For now, Villarreal and Partey are preparing for the challenges ahead, both in footballing terms and in the courtroom. The midfielder’s next court appearance on September 2 at the Old Bailey will be closely watched, with the outcome likely to have significant ramifications for his career and for the club. As the legal process unfolds, Villarreal’s faith in the presumption of innocence will be put to the test, while supporters and observers alike await clarity on both the sporting and judicial fronts.
With the season set to kick off and the Champions League on the horizon, Villarreal’s bold move ensures that the spotlight will remain firmly fixed on El Madrigal—for reasons that go far beyond the beautiful game.
