Villarreal CF has officially announced the signing of Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey. The 32-year-old joins the Yellow Submarine on a free transfer after his contract with Arsenal expired. However, the signing has been met with controversy due to the player's ongoing legal issues in England.
Partey is facing serious charges, including five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, allegations dating back to his time in England. He appeared in Westminster Magistrates' Court and was granted conditional bail. Despite the pending legal proceedings, Villarreal decided to proceed with the transfer.
In their official statement, Villarreal acknowledged the situation, stating they are aware of the legal proceedings against Partey in England. The club emphasized that Partey vehemently denies all charges and maintains his innocence.
Villarreal also declared their respect for the fundamental principle of the presumption of innocence. The club will await the verdict of the courts, which they believe will clarify the facts of the case. Citing British law regarding ongoing proceedings, Villarreal stated they would not comment further on the matter.
Furthermore, Villarreal took the opportunity to reiterate their strong commitment to respect and diversity. The club firmly condemned any act of violence in all its forms, including gender-based violence, discrimination, racism, xenophobia, or any behavior that undermines the dignity of individuals. This statement can also be linked to an incident from February 2025, where Villarreal condemned the assault on two of their fans after a match against Valencia CF. The victims, who both have intellectual disabilities, sustained injuries and had to be hospitalized. Villarreal at the time also stated their absolute condemnation and utmost repudiation of any act of violence in any form and that they were cooperating with the National Police to identify the aggressors.
The signing of Partey has sparked mixed reactions. Some fans have voiced their disapproval, with a Villarreal supporters' club president expressing the belief that the club should not recruit a player accused of such serious crimes.
Partey, formerly of Atletico Madrid, has signed a one or two-year deal with Villarreal. He is expected to join the team's training sessions immediately. His arrival aims to bolster Villarreal's midfield for the ongoing 2025-2026 season.
