Villarreal have officially announced the signing of midfielder Thomas Partey on a free transfer, just days after he appeared in court facing serious criminal charges. The 32-year-old joins the Spanish club after the expiry of his contract with Arsenal, bringing with him not just years of top-flight football experience but also significant controversy.
Partey is currently facing six charges in the UK, including five counts of rape and one of sexual assault involving three different women. The alleged incidents reportedly took place in 2021 and 2022, during his time as an Arsenal player. He appeared in court earlier this week and was granted bail. A trial is scheduled to be held later this year at the Old Bailey.
Despite the ongoing legal case, Partey has signed a one-year deal and is set to begin training with Villarreal immediately. His arrival has provoked outrage among sections of the club’s fanbase. Many supporters have voiced their discontent online and through petitions, branding his signing as a major stain on the club’s reputation. One fan petition described the move as the “darkest day in the club’s history”, reflecting the depth of disappointment felt among some of the Yellow Submarine’s loyal following.
In response to the criticism, the club released a statement acknowledging the midfielder’s legal issues. They reiterated their awareness of the situation, underlined their respect for the presumption of innocence, and confirmed they would not make further public comments while the case is ongoing.
The club emphasized its firm commitment to human rights, stating its opposition to any form of violence, particularly gender-based violence, as well as to all types of discrimination and actions that compromise individual dignity.
Thomas Partey previously played for Atlético Madrid before making 167 appearances for Arsenal. His return to La Liga comes at a sensitive time, both personally and professionally, and his presence in the squad will continue to be closely watched as the legal case unfolds.
The announcement came just a day after Villarreal secured a 3-2 victory over Arsenal in a friendly, adding another layer of intrigue to an already controversial development.
