Villarreal CF have confirmed the signing of Ghanaian international midfielder, Thomas Partey ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Thomas Partey, 32, will officially link up with the team starting tomorrow at the club’s training facility, Ciudad Deportiva, after reaching a full agreement with the Spanish side.

Partey brings with him a wealth of top-flight experience across Europe, having previously played for Arsenal FC, Atlético de Madrid, UD Almería, and RCD Mallorca.

The midfielder, who is known for his tactical intelligence, physical dominance, and ability to dictate play from deep positions, has carved a reputation as a combative yet composed presence in the centre of the pitch.

“He is a fantastic ball recoverer and can start the play from the back,” the club said in a statement announcing his arrival. “The African footballer also has a good shot from mid-range and can overcome lines in driving.”

Over the course of his career, Partey has earned over 50 caps for Ghana’s national team, featuring in multiple Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and World Cup qualifiers.

At the club level, his honours include a Community Shield with Arsenal (2023/24), as well as La Liga (2020/21), UEFA Super Cup (2018/19), and Europa League (2017/18) titles during his time at Atlético Madrid.

However, the announcement comes at a time when Partey is currently facing a sexual assault suit in the United Kingdom. While Villarreal acknowledged the situation, they emphasised the importance of due process and maintained support for the player’s right to a fair hearing.

“The player defends his innocence with absolute forcefulness and denies all the charges against him,” the club said. “The entity respects his presumption of innocence as a fundamental principle and is waiting for the ruling of the Justice, who will be in charge of clarifying the facts of which he is accused.”

Citing UK laws surrounding ongoing legal proceedings, Villarreal stated they will not offer any further comment on the matter at this time.

Reaffirming its institutional values, the club added, “Villarreal CF would like to reiterate its firm commitment to respect and diversity and condemns any act of violence in all its forms, whether gender-based, discrimination, racism, xenophobia or conduct that violates people’s dignity.”

The post Thomas Partey Joins Villarreal Ahead of 2025/26 Season Amid Sexual Assault Suit appeared first on Naija News.