Thomas Partey has joined Villarreal on a free transfer in the midst of ongoing allegations of rape and sexual assault against him, Afrosport reports.
The 32-year-old Ghanaian midfielder has agreed a one-year deal which will see him play for the entirety of the 2025-26 season, and will join up with his new team-mates in training on Friday.
Partey was charged with five counts of rape against two women a charge of sexual assault against a third woman, between April 2021 and June 2022 when he was playing for Arsenal.
His contract with the Gunners expired in June and Villarreal have acknowledged the ongoing legal case having been granted conditional bail on Tuesday.
“The club is aware that the player is currently involved in legal proceedings in England. The player vehemently defends his innocence and denies all charges against him,” read a club statement on X.
“The club respects his presumption of innocence as a fundamental principle and is awaiting the verdict of the courts, which will be responsible for clarifying the facts of the case. In accordance with British law regarding ongoing proceedings, the club will not comment further on this matter.
“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”.
— Villarreal CF English (@VillarrealCFen) August 7, 2025
Partey returns to the Spanish top flight having played for Atletico Madrid between 2013 and 2020
Villarreal beat Arsenal 3-2 in a pre-season friendly on Wednesday and will begin their La Liga campaign at home to newly-promoted promoted Real Oviedo on August 16.
