Thomas Partey finds new club and agrees La Liga return despite facing rape charges

Thomas Partey is poised to continue his soccer career in Spain after reportedly agreeing to join LaLiga club Villarreal as a free agent.

The Ghanaian international, who most recently concluded a five-year spell with Arsenal, is close to finalizing his switch, with the only formalities left to complete such as medical exams.

The move marks a LaLiga return for Partey following his previous spell with Atletico Madrid, but his move back to Spain after a five-year absence arrives amid intense scrutiny, following his arrest and charging for alleged rape offences in London.

In early July, the Crown Prosecution Service formally charged Partey with five counts of rape and one of sexual assault relating to incidents involving three women between 2021 and 2022.

Partey has denied all charges and maintains his cooperation with authorities throughout the multi-year investigation. He is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on August 5.

Villarreal move carries on despite legal issues

According to The Athletic, Villarreal has struck a preliminary agreement with Partey on a contract extending through 2027. The midfielder completed medical exams and is set to be unveiled soon, subject to his court appearance.

The deal comes just days after his Arsenal contract officially expired, amid speculation that offers from Saudi clubs and Turkish sides were also on the table.

The signing gives Villarreal a seasoned presence in midfield depth, especially as they return to Champions League competition in the 2025-26 season. Parts of the deal reportedly include an initial one-year commitment with an option to extend, allowing the club flexibility depending on both performance and legal developments.

Partey emerged from Atlético to join Arsenal in 2020 for over $58 million and went on to make 167 appearances for the north London club, delivering consistent defensive solidity and occasional offensive contributions.

His time at Arsenal ended when contract talks failed to reach a positive conclusion - despite manager Mikel Arteta expressing confidence in Partey's importance to the squad. Arsenal confirmed they routinely followed proper legal processes during the investigation and later declined further comment amid pending proceedings.

While clubs commonly weigh character and legal risks in transfer decisions, Villarreal's pursuit of Partey amid formal charges has ignited debate. Analysts and fans alike are divided: some view the acquisition as a bold footballing calculation, others question its moral balance.

Detection officials emphasized legal safeguards in the case, including protection of victims and the downsides of premature public speculation. Partey's legal team asserts his right to clear his name in court, noting he "fully cooperated with the police and CPS throughout their three-year investigation."

A risky signing for Villarreal

For Villarreal, the return to LaLiga has a strong footballing case. Partey's experience, versatility, and coaching pedigree potentially strengthen the yellow submarine's spine.

From Spain's vantage, the club's recruitment represents a calculated risk, justified by his high-level experience and relatively recent physical form. Still, timing is sensitive. Partey's arrival comes immediately before his court date, raising questions across Europe about clubs signing players amid unresolved criminal allegations and the principle of presumption of innocence versus public accountability.

With the World Cup cycle ahead and Ghana likely to call on him for international duty, Partey remains both a global figure and a controversial subject in this unfolding narrative.

The balance between his athletic future and legal outcome will shape public memory - whether his return to Spain proves a redemption arc or becomes an enduring footnote in a troubled chapter.