Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has officially joined Villarreal on a one-year contract after being released on bail amidst ongoing rape charges.

The 32-year-old, who was charged shortly after his contract with the north London club expired in June, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday to address five charges of rape and one of sexual assault.

He faces two counts of rape against one woman and three against another, while the sexual assault charge pertains to a third woman, as stated by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).

Testimonies in court revealed that one of the alleged rapes occurred at Partey’s Hertfordshire residence, while another incident allegedly took place at a resort in Spain. He was granted conditional bail and is expected back in Crown Court on September 2.

Villarreal announced Partey’s signing with a statement acknowledging his football talent, while also noting the gravity of his ongoing legal issues.

The statement read: ‘Villarreal CF and Thomas Partey have reached an agreement for the Ghanaian footballer to join the Yellows ahead of the 2025/26 season. The player will join up with his new team tomorrow at the Training Ground.

‘Thomas Teye Partey (Krobo Odumase, 13/06/93) is a complete midfielder with great stamina and exceptional physical attributes. He is an excellent ball-winner and has the ability to start moves from deep. The African footballer also boasts a good shot from mid-range and has the ability to break lines when driving forward.

‘The experienced Ghanaian midfielder has earned more than 50 caps for his national team. He has also represented Arsenal FC, Atlético de Madrid, UD Almeria and RCD Mallorca. With the English side, he won the FA Community Shield (2023/24), while with the Madrid outfit he lifted the LaLiga title (2020/21), the UEFA Super Cup (2018/19) and the UEFA Europa League (17/18).

‘On the other hand, 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.’

Partey’s bail conditions prohibit him from contacting any of the three women involved and require him to inform police of any permanent address changes or international travel. 

Prosecutor Jocelyn Ledward, KC, said: ‘He’s charged with six sexual offences, five of rape, one of sexual assault. He was first arrested in relation to two of the charges on 4 July 2022 and released under investigation on 2 August 2023.

‘He has attended, during the course of the past three years, three voluntary interviews. A postal requisition was sent on 4 July 2025 requiring his attendance today for a first appearance.

‘Five of the offences, the charges of rape, are indictable only offences and the only possibility for this court is to send them to the crown court.’ 

On the sexual assault allegation, she said: ‘The complainant attended Mr Partey’s address and he sexually assaulted her by lying on top of her, trying to kiss her and touching her all over her body over clothing without consent.

‘She tried to push him off and after a couple of minutes he stopped.’

Protesters held up a sign criticising Arsenal’s alleged handling of the case when Partey arrived at court. It read: ‘Arsenal said: ‘We do the right thing’. Then did nothing.’

The offences are alleged to have occurred between 2021 and 2022. According to the Metropolitan Police, the first report of a rape allegation was received in February 2022.

The CPS said the charges came after it ‘carefully reviewed a comprehensive file of evidence’ during an extensive three-year probe.

‘Thomas Partey denies all the charges against him,’ his lawyer Jenny Wiltshire said.

‘He has fully cooperated with the police and CPS throughout their three-year investigation. He now welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name. Given that there are now ongoing legal proceedings, my client is unable to comment further.’

Partey joined Arsenal in 2020 from Atletico Madrid for around £45million. He made 35 appearances in the Premier League last season, scoring four goals.

Arsenal were previously in talks over extending Partey’s contract, but an agreement could not be reached, resulting in him leaving as a free agent. Head coach Mikel Arteta had described him as a ‘really important player for us’.

During Arsenal’s pre-season tour in the Far East, following Partey being charged, Arteta said he was ‘100 per cent’ comfortable with how the club handled the case.

However, the Arsenal Supporters Against Sexual Violence Group gathered outside Westminster Magistrates’ Court to protest the club’s alleged actions.

‘While we recognise that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty, we would find any scenario in which a club was to continually select and promote a player under investigation for sexual offences deeply concerning,’ the group previously said.

‘This would give the suggestion that success on the pitch far outweighs respect for victims of sexual violence.’

An Arsenal spokesperson previously said: ‘The player’s contract ended on June 30. Due to ongoing legal proceedings the club is unable to comment on the case.’