VILLARREAL have completed the signing of Thomas Partey on a free transfer after the midfielder left Arsenal.
The Spanish club confirmed the signing today, few days after the Ghana international appeared in court in England on multiple charges of rape and sexual assault.
“Villarreal CF and Thomas Partey have reached an agreement for the Ghanaian footballer to join the Yellows ahead of the 2025/2026 season,” the club announced.
“The player will join up with his new team tomorrow at the Training Ground.
“Thomas Teye Partey (Krobo Odumase, 13/06/93) is a complete midfielder with great stamina and exceptional physical attributes.
“He is an excellent ball-winner and has the ability to start moves from deep. The African footballer also boasts a good shot from mid-range and has the ability to break lines when driving forward.
“The experienced Ghanaian midfielder has earned more than 50 caps for his national team. He has also represented Arsenal FC, Atlético de Madrid, UD Almería and RCD Mallorca. With the English side, he won the FA Community Shield (2023/24), while with the Madrid outfit he lifted the LaLiga title (2020/21), the UEFA Super Cup (2018/19) and the UEFA Europa League (17/18).”
The LaLiga club, under fire from some of their supporters for adding a suspected sex offender to their squad, addressed the charges Partey is facing.
“On the other hand, 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,” Villarreal explained.
“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 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.”