Thomas Partey is set to continue his football career in Spain after securing a free transfer to Villarreal following his departure from Arsenal. The 32-year-old Ghanaian midfielder has signed a two-year contract with the La Liga side and has already completed his medical. However, his move has raised significant controversy as it comes in the wake of serious legal accusations.
Partey has been charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, allegations he has denied. The charges stem from incidents said to have occurred between 2021 and 2022, involving three different women. A court hearing is scheduled to take place in London, a mere day before Villarreal are set to face Arsenal in a high-profile pre-season friendly.
Despite the serious nature of the charges, Villarreal have opted to go ahead with the signing, citing the player’s availability as a free agent and his vast experience in top-flight European football. Partey previously played in La Liga for Atletico Madrid, Mallorca, and Almeria before moving to Arsenal in 2020.
At Arsenal, negotiations for a contract renewal failed, leading to his exit. Shortly afterward, the Crown Prosecution Service officially filed the charges. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta commented that the club had handled the matter according to protocol, though he refrained from further elaboration due to legal restrictions.
The court appearance in London is expected to be procedural, primarily to schedule the next steps in the legal process. It is still unclear whether Partey faces any international travel restrictions, although his participation in past away matches, including a Champions League tie in France earlier this year, suggests he may not.
The Royal Spanish Football Federation is waiting to officially register Partey before deciding if further action is necessary. Under Spanish football regulations, criminal charges alone do not bar a player from being signed or playing in La Liga.
The signing has sparked debate among Villarreal supporters. While some acknowledge his quality and potential value on the pitch, others have expressed discomfort with the club’s decision. Several fan group leaders have voiced concerns, noting that the gravity of the charges should prompt a more cautious approach.
Many supporters believe that, regardless of the outcome in court, the association with such allegations tarnishes the club’s image and sets a controversial precedent.
