Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has officially joined Spanish side Villarreal, despite currently facing multiple rape charges in England.
The 32-year-old Ghanaian international, who denies all allegations, was granted conditional bail on August 5 after appearing in a London court. He faces five counts of rape involving two women and one count of sexual assault involving a third woman. The alleged incidents are said to have occurred between 2021 and 2022, during his time at Arsenal.
Partey was formally charged on July 4, four days after his contract with Arsenal expired at the end of June.
In announcing the transfer on Thursday, Villarreal emphasized their commitment to the principle of the presumption of innocence. The club stated that the player “strongly proclaims his innocence and denies all the accusations made against him,” and added that they “await the judiciary’s decision, which will be responsible for clarifying the facts alleged against him.”
Partey is scheduled to appear before London’s Old Bailey court on September 2.
The Ghana midfielder joined Arsenal from Atletico Madrid in October 2020 for £45 million ($60 million). He made 52 appearances for the Gunners last season, scoring four goals, and featured 167 times in total, netting nine goals during his stint in North London. He has earned 51 caps for Ghana.
Villarreal finished fifth in La Liga last season, securing qualification for the UEFA Champions League.
