Partey starts training with Villarreal, but fans push back on move?

Black Stars deputy captain Thomas Partey has commenced training with Spanish side Villarreal ahead of the 2025/26 season, after joining the Yellow Submarine on a one-year free transfer from Arsenal.

According to popular Italian football insider Fabrizio Romano, Partey’s contract at Villareal will run till the end of June 2026, with an option to extend for another year.

Less than 24 hours after completing his transfer, the Black Stars midfielder has already started training with his new teammates.

The Legal Battle, The Move, and The Reception in Castellón

The ‘Midfield Maestro’ was recently charged with multiple counts of rape against two women and a charge of sexual assault against a third, but was granted conditional bail on Tuesday August 5, after denying the charges Westminster Magistrates’ Court.

Under the conditions of the bail, Partey must not contact any of the three women and must notify police of any permanent changes of address or international travel, as reported by BBC.

Following his move to Villarreal, the club issued a statement, acknowledging Partey’s legal battle in England, but noted that “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,” Villareal said “Due to the law in England in relation to the ongoing proceedings the club is unable to comment further.”

However, BBC has reported that nearly 1,000 supporters have signed a petition set up by online content hub the Villarreal Report to protest Partey’s signing.

Villarreal’s statement added that it “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 is due to appear before the Central Criminal Court of England and Wales(Old Bailey) on September 2, 2025.