Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Thomas Partey Set to Join Villarreal on Free Transfer

Former Arsenal Midfielder Returns to La Liga With Two-Year Deal.

Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Thomas Partey is set to return to Spanish football. Villarreal is set to finalize a deal to sign the Ghanaian midfielder on a free transfer. The 32-year-old underwent a medical earlier this week and is expected to sign a two-year contract with the Spanish giants. The new deal that will keep him at the Estadio de la Ceramica until 2027.

Villarreal recently qualified for the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League. That may have m have been a key factor in Partey’s decision to join the club. Partey’s contract with Arsenal ended in June. He departs ending a five-year spell in North London.

🚨 𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: Thomas Partey will join Villarreal as a free agent! He has already completed his medical.

(Source: @David_Ornstein) pic.twitter.com/wiDEeXu193
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) August 3, 2025

Partey made 167 appearances for the Gunners after arriving from Atletico Madrid in 2020 for a reported £45 million. He was a regular under Mikel Arteta, featuring in multiple roles. He played as a defensive midfielder and occasionally as a right-back. During his final season at Arsenal, he played 52 matches across all competitions.

A Fresh Start for Thomas Partey

The Ghana international now returns to La Liga, where he previously spent six seasons with Atletico Madrid. Villarreal finished fifth in La Liga last season. They will see Partey as a valuable addition to their midfield as they prepare for both domestic and European challenges in the 2025-26 season.

Also Read: Arsenal Transfer News: Pursuit of Stade Rennais Talent, Andrea Berta’s Work Ethic, and More

The Athletic suggest that the agreement is for two years through to 2027. Partey’s experience at the highest level makes him a vital asset for Villarreal’s ambitions. He has playing experience in the Premier League, La Liga, and Champions League. He will also reunite with former Arsenal teammate Nicolas Pepe.

Pepe joined the Yellow Submarine earlier this summer. Villarreal’s interest comes amid Tottenham Hotspur and Serie A clubs monitoring Partey’s situation earlier this summer. However, the Spanish side ultimately secured his signature after a swift round of negotiations and a completed medical.

Also Read: Son Set for Emotional Spurs Exit as LAFC Talks Advance

Off-Field Matters Loom

Following his departure from Arsenal, Partey was charged with assault charges, relating to incidents between 2021 and 2022. He denied all charges and is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on August 5. His legal team has stated that he “welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name.”

Despite the ongoing legal matters, Villarreal are proceeding with the signing. He could be officially announced by the club in the coming days. The midfielder’s addition brings both experience and depth to their squad as they are looking to challenge Spain’s elite admitted time.

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Moumita Dutta

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Football writer at The Playoffs. I’ve been obsessed with the beautiful game since I was a kid.. Eventually, I realized I could combine my passion for writing with my love for football, and I’ve never looked back. My favorite part of the job is everything—when you’re doing what you love, even a late-night deadline feels like extra time in a thrilling cup final. Lastly, Lionel Messi is the GOAT.