Since joining Villarreal CF in the summer of 2025 when his contract at Arsenal expired, Thomas Partey has had difficulty regaining his best form.
The goal of the Ghanaian midfielder’s free transfer was to bolster Villarreal’s midfield. He has, however, struggled to get consistent playing time due to fierce rivalry within the team.
Partey has appeared in 16 La Liga games this season, however he has only started seven of them, coming off the bench nine times. For a player who was once renowned for his control and influence in midfield, he has yet to record a goal or assist, which is indicative of a challenging campaign.
The 32-year-old built his reputation as a commanding presence during spells with Atletico Madrid and Arsenal. At Villarreal, though, he has often been overlooked in favour of other midfield options, including Pape Gueye, who has been preferred by coach Marcelino GarcÃÂa Toral in several matches.
Away from the pitch, Partey is also dealing with an ongoing legal case in England. In August 2025, he was charged with five counts of rape involving two women and one count of sexual assault against a third woman, allegations he denies.
The case has since expanded with two additional counts of rape relating to another alleged victim. While it remains unclear how much the off-field situation has affected his performances, the circumstances have added further scrutiny to a challenging season for the Ghana international.
