Villarreal Signs Thomas Partey: Spanish Club Addresses Serious Legal Case
- Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey has officially joined Spanish side Villarreal CF after his contract with Arsenal expired this summer
- The 32-year-old recently secured conditional bail following his court appearance related to ongoing legal proceedings in the UK
- Villarreal has since broken its silence, releasing a firm statement addressing the situation surrounding their new signing
Thomas Partey is heading back to familiar territory in Spain after completing a move to La Liga side Villarreal CF.
The experienced midfielder has signed a two-year contract that sees him return to the Spanish top division, nearly half a decade after departing Atletico Madrid for a new challenge in England.
Source: Getty Images
Partey signs for Villarreal
Partey's return comes after a rollercoaster spell with Arsenal, where he joined in 2020 and made over 100 appearances for the Premier League club, per Transfermarkt.
His departure follows unsuccessful talks over a contract extension, bringing an end to his time in North London.
According to GOAL, the Ghanaian has signed on a one-year basis with the option to extend for an additional year.
For Partey, this transfer marks both a new beginning and a return to the league where he first gained global recognition.
Partey's legal issue in the UK
Just days before finalising his Villarreal deal, Partey appeared before Westminster Magistrates' Court in London.
He was charged with multiple counts of non-consensual acts and one count of sexual assault, allegations which he strongly denies.
Source: Getty Images
Although he has been granted conditional bail, he must notify authorities in advance of any international travel.
Villarreal breaks silence on Partey's legal issue
Despite the legal proceedings in the UK, Villarreal proceeded with the transfer, a decision that has divided opinions among sections of the club’s supporters.
In response to the public reaction and scrutiny over the signing, Villarreal issued an official statement addressing Partey's ongoing legal situation:
"The club is aware that the player [Partey] is currently involved in a 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 the ongoing proceedings, the club is unable to comment further."
"Villarreal wishes to reiterate its strong commitment to respect and diversity and firmly condemns any acts of violence in all its forms, including gender-based violence, discrimination, racism, xenophobia, or any behaviour that undermines the dignity of individuals."
Partey is expected to report to Villarreal’s training ground on Friday, August 8, where he will begin pre-season preparations ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
He now becomes the second Ghanaian to don the Yellow Submarine jersey, following in the footsteps of Mubarak Wakaso.
Villarreal fans express disapproval of Partey's deal
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that a section of Villarreal fans expressed strong disapproval of the club’s interest in Thomas Partey.
A Madrid-based supporters’ group warned that pushing ahead with the deal could spark significant backlash.
Proofreading by Omoleye Omoruyi, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
