Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey has completed a move to Spanish La Liga side Villarreal following his departure from Arsenal.
The Yellow Submarine announced the signing in a statement posted on their official X handle on Thursday, confirming that the 32-year-old will link up with his new teammates on Friday at the club’s training ground ahead of the 2025/26 season.
“Villarreal and Thomas Partey have reached an agreement for the Ghanaian footballer to join the Yellows ahead of the 2025/26 campaign,” the statement read.
Addressing the ongoing legal case against the player in England, where he faces allegations of rape and sexual assault, Villarreal said they were aware of the proceedings.
The club stressed that Partey “firmly maintains his innocence” and that it upholds “the fundamental principle of the presumption of innocence,” pending the outcome of the judicial process.
Citing English legal restrictions on commenting further, the Spanish side reaffirmed their “strong commitment to respect and diversity” and condemned “any act of violence in all its forms, including gender-based violence, discrimination, racism, xenophobia, or any behaviour that undermines human dignity.”
Partey joined Arsenal from Atletico Madrid in 2020 for £45 million, making over 100 appearances for the Gunners before his contract expired in June.
Just days after his exit, the Ghana international was charged with five counts of rape involving two women and one count of sexual assault against a third. He denies all charges.
Granted conditional bail on Tuesday by Westminster Magistrates’ Court, Partey has been ordered not to contact the alleged victims and to inform police of any permanent address changes or overseas travel.
The charges stem from an investigation that began in February 2022.
His signing has sparked backlash among some Villarreal supporters, with nearly 1,000 people signing a petition by the Villarreal Report opposing the move.
Partey is scheduled to appear at the Old Bailey on September 2. His transfer comes just a day after Villarreal secured a 3-2 friendly win over Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
