Villarreal have confirmed the signing of Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey ahead of the 2025-25 La Liga season.
The former Atletico Madrid midfield enforcer returns to the Spanish top flight after leaving for Arsenal in 2020.
He spent five years at Arsenal before leaving the Emirates Stadium this summer after his contract expired.
He has signed a two-year contract with Villarreal until the end of the 2027 season.
Partey was charged with five counts of rape against two women and a charge of sexual assault against a third woman, a few days after Arsenal announced his departure.
He was granted conditional bail on Tuesday at Westminster Magistrates’ Court after denying the charges.
Under the conditions of the bail, Partey must not contact any of the three women and must notify police of any permanent changes of address or international travel.
Villarreal confirmed his signing on Thursday while insisting that the club respects his presumption of innocence as a fundamental principle and awaits the ruling of the court.
The statement read: “Villarreal CF and Thomas Partey have reached an agreement for the Ghanaian footballer to join the Yellows ahead of the 2025/26 season. The player will join up with his new team tomorrow at the Training Ground.
“On the other hand, the club is also aware that the player is currently involved in legal proceedings in England. The player firmly maintains his innocence and denies all charges against him. The club respects the fundamental principle of the presumption of innocence and will await the outcome of the judicial process, which will be responsible for clarifying the facts of the case. Due to the law in England in relation to ongoing proceedings the club is unable to comment further.
“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.”
Partey has earned more than 50 caps for the Black Stars of Ghana while winning the LaLiga title (2020/21), the UEFA Super Cup (2018/19) and the UEFA Europa League (17/18) for Atletico Madrid, and winning the Fa Community Shield with Arsenal in 2024.
Villarreal will open their 2025-26 La Liga campaign against Girona on August 24.
