Former Arsenal and Ghana international midfielder Thomas Partey is set to join Spanish La Liga club Villarreal on a two-year contract that will keep him at Estadio de la Cerámica until 2027. The 32-year-old midfielder, currently a free agent after his contract with Arsenal expired in June 2025, has reportedly passed his medical and is expected to be officially unveiled in the coming days.
Partey’s decision to join Villarreal was influenced largely by his desire to continue playing Champions League football, a key factor that made returning to Spain—where he previously starred for Atlético Madrid—an attractive option. He prioritized maintaining a high level of competition to stay sharp ahead of a crucial World Cup year and to remain in the spotlight for national team selection. Despite interest from clubs in Europe and Saudi Arabia, the Champions League opportunity tipped the scales in Villarreal’s favor.
Partey had been in contract renewal talks with Arsenal, but no agreement was reached, leading to his departure after five seasons in England where he made 167 appearances and scored nine goals. Last season, he was heavily involved in Arsenal’s campaign, featuring in 52 matches across competitions with notable versatility in midfield and occasional appearances at right-back.
However, his transfer comes amid serious ongoing legal challenges. On July 4, 2025, Partey was formally charged in the UK with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault related to incidents alleged between 2021 and 2022. He denies all charges and will appear in Westminster Magistrates Court on August 5, 2025. These legal proceedings cast a shadow over his career as Villarreal assess the implications while negotiating contract terms. Reports indicate Villarreal’s deal may initially be for one year with an option to extend depending on his legal outcome and performance.
Despite the legal uncertainty, Partey aims to revive his career in La Liga with Villarreal, who finished fifth last season and qualified for the Champions League.
The club sees his vast experience as valuable for making a meaningful impact in the upcoming season.
