Official: Villarreal announce signing of Thomas Partey

Spanish football club Villarreal CF have formally announced the signing of Thomas Partey, marking the Ghanaian midfielder’s return to La Liga after five years in England.

Partey has joined Villarreal on a free transfer, following the expiration of his Arsenal contract in June 2025.

The 32-year-old successfully underwent a medical examination last week and has signed a two-year contract, comprising a one-year deal with an optional additional year.

This move marks Partey’s return to familiar territory, having previously played for Atletico Madrid, where he gained prominence before joining Arsenal in 2020. His desire to return to Champions League football was a key factor in his decision to join Villarreal, who will compete in Europe’s elite competition this season.

Despite interest from several European and Saudi clubs, Partey chose Villarreal, where he is expected to bring leadership and experience to a squad aiming to make a strong impact in the 2025/26 season, both domestically and in Europe.

Throughout his tenure at Arsenal, the former Gunner accumulated 167 appearances and scored nine goals.

The 2024/25 season proved to be his most productive, with 52 appearances across all competitions, yielding four goals and three assists — his highest output since joining the club.

The breakdown of contract extension talks with Arsenal paved the way for his return to Spain, signaling the start of a new chapter in his distinguished career.