Why Villarreal Are Signing Thomas Partey Despite Rape Allegation Charges After Arsenal Exit

Thomas Partey is poised to join Villarreal on a two-year deal after leaving Arsenal as a free agent. The 32-year-old Ghanaian midfielder has completed a medical with the La Liga side. This move comes just weeks after Partey was charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, charges he denies.

The charges relate to alleged incidents involving three women between 2021 and 2022. A court hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, August 5th in London, the same week Villarreal faces Arsenal in a pre-season friendly.

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Partey's move to Villarreal marks a return to Spanish football, where he previously played for Atletico Madrid, Mallorca, and Almeria. He joined Arsenal in 2020 but departed after failing to agree on a new contract. Just days later, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) brought charges against him.

When questioned about Partey's situation and Arsenal's handling of it, manager Mikel Arteta stated the club had acted appropriately, adding that the legal complexities prevented him from further comment.

The Metropolitan Police began their investigation into Partey in February 2022. Tuesday's court appearance at Westminster Magistrates' Court is expected to be brief, primarily to set the next date in the proceedings. While Partey's presence is expected, it's not always mandatory for initial hearings.

Whether Partey faces travel restrictions remains unclear. The Athletic has contacted the CPS, Metropolitan Police, the court, and Partey's legal team for clarification. However, his participation in away matches for Arsenal, including a Champions League fixture against Paris Saint-Germain in May, suggests no restrictions were in place at that time.

The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) is awaiting official registration before determining any potential actions regarding Partey's case. Being charged does not automatically prevent a player from signing with a La Liga club.

While acknowledging Partey's experience and talent, Villarreal fan groups have expressed concerns. Borja Pena, president of the Madrid-based fan group 'Os Groc', expects the club considered the charges before pursuing the transfer.

Cesar Pena, president of a Villarreal supporters' club in Villafranca de Barros, echoed this sentiment, stating, "It’s a complicated issue because, in football terms, we all agree that it’s a great opportunity.

"He’s a top-level player... However, my personal opinion... is that I would not agree to sign a player accused of such serious crimes... I hope the club takes the fans’ opinion into account." He added that even if Partey is found not guilty, many fans will still disapprove of the signing.