Villarreal Confirm Signing of Ghana Midfielder Thomas Partey
Spanish La Liga club Villarreal CF have officially announced the signing of Ghanaian international Thomas Partey ahead of the 2025/26 football season, with an option to extend the deal by an additional year.
The 32-year-old midfielder joins the Yellow Submarines following the expiration of his contract with Premier League side Arsenal, bringing an end to a five-year spell in North London.
In a statement on the club’s official website, Villarreal confirmed the deal:
“Villarreal CF and Thomas Partey have reached an agreement for the Ghanaian player to join the Yellows for the 2025-26 season. The player will join the team starting tomorrow at the Ciudad Deportiva.”
Partey’s move back to Spain comes just days after his initial appearance in a London court, where he faces allegations of rape and sexual assault involving three women.
Partey’s desire to feature again in the UEFA Champions League was said to be a major influence behind the decision to join Villarreal, who will be competing in the tournament this season. Though he attracted interest from clubs across Europe and Saudi Arabia, the former Atletico Madrid star opted for a return to familiar territory in La Liga, where he initially rose to prominence.
Partey originally joined Arsenal in summer 2020, signing a five-year deal. Over his time with the Gunners, he made 167 appearances, scoring nine goals and establishing himself as a regular in midfield.
With his move to Villarreal confirmed, Partey is set to embark on a new chapter in his career, bringing his experience, tactical awareness, and leadership qualities to the Spanish side’s midfield engine room.