Villarreal has officially signed Thomas Partey for the upcoming season, with an option to extend for an additional year. The 32-year-old Ghanaian midfielder, who was a free agent after his contract with Arsenal ended, is making a return to La Liga, a league he knows well after playing 188 matches with Atlético Madrid. This acquisition is a strategic move by Villarreal as they aim to strengthen their midfield ahead of the next Champions League campaign.
This signing comes despite serious allegations currently facing Thomas Partey. The player is being prosecuted for five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, with the alleged incidents dating between 2021 and 2022 in London. This legal situation delayed the finalization of the transfer, with Partey’s initial court appearance scheduled in early August 2025 at Westminster Magistrates’ Court. Villarreal is taking a significant risk, as a conviction could prevent Partey from playing in Spain, given local sports legislation.
From a sporting perspective, Thomas Partey brings rare versatility to the club. Able to operate both as a defensive midfielder and as a defender, his box-to-box style and ability to recover the ball and launch attacks fit perfectly with Villarreal’s possession-based and urban playing philosophy under coach Marcelino. The Spanish club, recently qualified for the Champions League, hopes that Partey’s European experience and leadership qualities will energize the squad.
Despite the controversy, many experts acknowledge the player’s exceptional quality, noting that his profile is well-suited for a high-level club. The future will depend on how the legal case unfolds and whether Villarreal can fully benefit from this unexpected reinforcement for the 2025–2026 season.
