On 7 August 2025, Villarreal officially announced the signing of Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey, who joins the club on a one-year contract following the expiration of his deal with Arsenal. The agreement includes the possibility of a further year, and he is expected to begin training with the team shortly.
Legal Situation and Club Statement
Partey was granted conditional bail in England, having appeared in court on charges of five counts of rape involving two women and one count of sexual assault involving a third, with incidents reportedly occurring between 2021 and 2022.He denies all charges and maintains his presumption of innocence. Villarreal’s statement reiterated this principle, affirming their respect for the judicial process and clarifying that, due to UK legal constraints, the club is unable to comment further on the case.
Ethical Positioning and Public Reaction
The club emphasized its firm condemnation of “any act of violence in all its forms—including gender-based violence, discrimination, racism, xenophobia, or behavior that undermines the dignity of individuals”.Media coverage reflects mixed public sentiment, with some fans expressing outrage, calling the transfer “the darkest day in the club’s history” and initiating petitions against the decision.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Transfer | One-year deal, possibly extendable, begins immediately |
| Legal Status | Charged with serious offences; currently on conditional bail |
| Partey’s Position | Denies all allegations; maintains innocence |
| Club’s Stance | Respects legal process; condemns violence and upholds presumption of innocence |
| Public Reaction | Divided—some backlash and petitions against the signing |
