Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey is set to sign a one-year contract with Villarreal CF, marking his return to La Liga following his departure from Arsenal earlier this summer. The 31-year-old is expected to undergo final stages of the deal in the coming days, with room for an extension should he impress under head coach Marcelino García Toral.
Villarreal, who secured a fifth-place finish in La Liga last season, are actively rebuilding their squad ahead of a Champions League campaign. Midfield depth has become a top priority for the club, especially with veterans like Dani Parejo aging and others such as Santi Comesaña and Pape Gueye showing inconsistent form.
Partey, who made his name in Spain with Atletico Madrid, has expressed a desire to return to Spanish football. His move to Estadio de la Cerámica (La Ceramica) brings him full circle, though the transfer comes amid serious off-pitch concerns.
The former Arsenal star is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, following five charges of rape stemming from a three-year-long police investigation. The legal proceedings cast a shadow over his potential move, and sources suggest that the deal could still be withdrawn depending on the outcome or development of the case.
Despite recent injuries that kept him sidelined for stretches of the last two seasons, Partey delivered an outstanding campaign last term, notching 51 appearances across all competitions—his highest total since joining Arsenal in 2020. He was pivotal in Arsenal’s title push and played a crucial role in their first Champions League semi-final appearance since 2009.
Since making the switch from Atletico Madrid to Arsenal in a £45 million move in 2020, Partey has accumulated 130 appearances and 9 goals in all competitions for the Gunners. Known for his physical presence, passing range, and defensive intelligence, he has long been seen as a stabilizing force in midfield.
While Villarreal fans may be excited about the prospect of a seasoned La Liga returnee bolstering their squad, the situation remains fluid. The club is understood to be closely monitoring the legal situation in the UK, and no official unveiling has been scheduled.
If cleared and signed, Thomas Partey could offer much-needed midfield stability for the Yellow Submarine as they gear up for a packed 2025–26 season in domestic and European competitions.
