La Liga club Villarreal have confirmed that former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has joined them for the 2025/26 season.
This week, Partey was granted conditional bail having been charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault just four days after his contract with the Gunners expired. He appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Tuesday morning, with the alleged offences taking place between 2021 and 2022.
In a statement announcing his arrival, Villarreal stated: "The club is also aware that the player is currently involved in legal proceeding in England. The player firmly maintains his innocence and denies all charges against him.
"The club respects the fundamental principle of the presumption of innocence and will await the outcome of the judicial process, which will be responsible for clarifying the facts of the case. Due to the law in England in relation to ongoing proceedings the club is unable to comment further.
"Villarreal CF wishes to clearly reiterate its strong commitment to respect and diversity and firmly condemns any act of violence in all its forms, including gender-based violence, discrimination, racism, xenophobia, or any behaviour that undermines the dignity of individuals."
At the appearance at Westminster's Magistrates Court this week, Partey only spoke to confirm his name, date of birth and address during the 15-minute hearing and was told he was free to leave after being granted conditional bail. Partey's bail conditions include that he cannot contact any of the three women he allegedly attacked and must notify police of any permanent changes of address or international travel.
He will next appear at the Old Bailey at 10am on Tuesday, September 2. Partey’s lawyer Jenny Wiltshire previously said he 'denies all the charges against him'.
The defensive midfielder joined the Gunners in 2020 and made 167 appearances for the club. Prior to joining Arsenal, the 32-year-old previously played in Spain representing Atletico Madrid, Mallorca and Almeria.