Returns to La Liga with Villarreal
Villarreal CF have officially agreed to sign Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey on a one-year deal, with an option to extend based on performance. The 32-year-old joins the Yellow Submarine as a free agent following his departure from Arsenal, marking a return to Spanish football where he previously starred for Atlético Madrid.
Partey’s signing comes as Villarreal prepare for their Champions League campaign, aiming to bolster midfield depth under head coach Marcelino García.
Partey’s Arsenal Career: Stats & Impact
Since joining Arsenal in 2020 for £45 million from Atlético Madrid, Partey played a pivotal role in Mikel Arteta’s midfield setup.
Arsenal Stats:
- Appearances: 130 matches across all competitions
- Goals: 9
- Assists: 5
- 2024/25 Season:
- 35 Premier League appearances
- 4 goals, 2 assists
- 88.4% pass completion rate
- 0.19 goal contributions per 90 minutes
Achievements:
- Helped Arsenal reach the Champions League semi-finals in 2025 — their first since 2009
- Integral to Arsenal’s top-four finishes and tactical evolution under Arteta
- Known for his ball-winning ability, positional discipline, and transitional play
Legal Proceedings: Conditional Bail & Charges
Thomas Partey’s transfer unfolds amid serious legal challenges. He has been charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, involving incidents between 2021 and 20225. The charges were filed shortly after his contract with Arsenal expired.
Legal Timeline:
- Court Appearance: Westminster Magistrates’ Court, August 5, 2025
- Bail Status: Granted conditional bail; cannot contact alleged victims or travel without police notification
- Defense Statement: Partey’s lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire, stated he “denies all the charges” and “welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name”
Despite the controversy, Villarreal have opted to proceed with the signing, citing the presumption of innocence while monitoring legal developments.
A New Chapter in Spain
The move to Villarreal offers Partey a chance to return to a league he knows well and to restart his career in a familiar environment. Prior to his time at Arsenal, he spent six successful seasons with Atlético Madrid, where he won the Europa League and the UEFA Super Cup. His experience and quality on the ball will be a valuable asset to Villarreal’s midfield as they prepare for both domestic and European challenges.
Villarreal’s Perspective: Tactical Fit & European Ambitions
Partey’s arrival is expected to:
- Strengthen Villarreal’s midfield with experience and physicality
- Offer Champions League pedigree and leadership
- Fill a key tactical gap following last season’s fifth-place La Liga finish
His return to La Liga could reignite the form that once made him one of Spain’s most sought-after midfielders.
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