As Thomas Partey edges closer to wearing Villarreal’s iconic yellow kit, fans have turned their gaze towards history, specifically, the few Ghanaians who’ve ever walked that path.
If everything falls into place, Partey will join a very exclusive club of players from the West African country to play for the Yellow Submarines.
Before Partey, just one Ghanaian had the honour of turning out for the Yellow Submarine. That player? Mubarak Wakaso.
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Wakaso’s trailblazing journey at Villarreal
Years before Partey’s move to Villarreal became a major talking point, Mubarak Wakaso had already taken that leap.
In 2008, the combative midfielder joined Villarreal from Ashanti Gold SC in Ghana.
Still a teenager, Wakaso was drafted into Villarreal’s B team, cutting his teeth in the Segunda División.
His performances caught the eye, and he was soon handed chances with the senior side.
Wakaso’s promising start that faded too soon
Between 2008 and 2011, Wakaso featured sporadically for the first team.
His fearless approach and relentless running offered promise, but a regular spot in the lineup never materialised.
Consistency proved elusive, and his time at the club began to unravel.
In January 2011, Villarreal ended his stay early, reportedly due to disciplinary issues. It was a disappointing end to a stint that once looked so full of promise.
According to stats from Transfermarkt, Wakaso made 25 senior appearances for Villarreal, amassing 809 minutes on the pitch.
What happened to Wakaso after leaving Villarreal?
Wakaso didn’t dwell on what went wrong. Instead, he bounced back stronger.
His career took him to clubs like Espanyol, Las Palmas, and Deportivo Alavés in Spain before branching out to Russia, Scotland, and China.
Through it all, he became a dependable figure for the Black Stars, especially at AFCON tournaments.
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Partey to become second Ghanaian to play for Villarreal
Now, over a decade later, Partey is ready to follow in Wakaso’s footsteps.
Having parted ways with Arsenal at the end of the 2024/25 campaign, the 32-year-old midfielder is eyeing a fresh chapter.
According to transfer market expert David Ornstein via Mundo Deportivo, Partey has passed his medical and is on the verge of signing a two-year deal with Villarreal.
Reason Partey joined Villarreal
This isn’t just any move. For Partey, it’s about more than returning to familiar grounds.
Villarreal’s involvement in next season’s UEFA Champions League was a decisive pull.
The opportunity to perform on Europe’s biggest stage, especially in a year that leads up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, was impossible to overlook.
As highlighted by Flashscore, a key priority for the midfielder was to remain active at an elite level.
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With interest from other clubs, including from Saudi Arabia, the draw of La Liga and top-tier football proved more aligned with his goals.
Ghanaians react as Thomas Partey nears Villarreal move
Earlier, YEN.com.gh highlighted how Ghanaian football fans responded to reports of Thomas Partey’s potential return to Spain.
News of his La Liga comeback sparked a flurry of reactions online, with many Ghanaians taking to social media to weigh in.
For most, the move is seen as a positive step during a difficult chapter in the midfielder’s life.
Source: YEN.com.gh
