- Some Villarreal supporters have voiced strong opposition to the club’s pursuit of Thomas Partey this summer
- A fan group based in Madrid has warned that if the Yellow Submarines proceed with the signing, it could trigger backlash
- Partey’s ongoing legal troubles have drawn parallels to Mason Greenwood’s case, which sparked similar public outcry two years ago
Thomas Partey is on the verge of a return to Spain. After leaving Arsenal, the Ghanaian midfielder is close to finalising a two-year deal with La Liga side Villarreal.
This move marks a fresh chapter for the 32-year-old, but it’s one shadowed by a cloud of serious legal troubles that continue to follow him across borders.
Source: Getty Images
Partey’s potential arrival at Villarreal has stirred a heated reaction, not because of his talent but due to the nature of the allegations he currently faces in the United Kingdom.
He has been charged with multiple offences, including five counts of non-consensual acts and one count of sexual assault.
Partey denies all charges and is scheduled to appear before a London court on August 5.
Understandably, the news of his imminent signing has divided Villarreal supporters.
Villarreal fans oppose Partey’s signing, reveals consequences
Many are finding it hard to separate the athlete from the accusations. Among them is Borja Pena, president of Os Groc, the club’s fan group based in Madrid.
Speaking to The Athletic, as quoted by Tribuna, Pena did not hold back.
“It’s a complicated issue because, in football terms, we all agree that it’s a great opportunity,” he said.
“He’s a top-level player who has proven himself to all Spaniards, for example, in this year’s Champions League tie against Real Madrid.”
Still, Pena made it clear that talent alone does not justify the move.
“My personal opinion is the same as that expressed by most fans on social media: I would not agree to sign a player accused of such serious crimes and I would understand if the fans booed the player on the pitch.
“I hope the club takes the fans’ opinion into account, as I believe this is not just a matter of improving the squad.
“However, whatever the outcome of the trial, if they sign him, most fans will not agree with it, even if he is ultimately found not guilty.”
As Villarreal considers the footballing value of bringing Thomas Partey on board, they must also reckon with the moral weight of that choice.
Comparing Partey’s issue to Mason Greenwood
For Partey, returning to top-flight football won’t come without its challenges. Even if he laces up for a La Liga game, every move on the field is likely to be shadowed by intense scrutiny.
Source: Getty Images
The road ahead is filled with uncertainty. One thing, however, is certain: his comeback won’t be welcomed by everyone.
This wouldn’t be the first instance of such a scenario. Mason Greenwood faced similar backlash when he signed for Getafe in 2023 after his own legal controversy, as cited by SportBIBLE.
Though rival fans were relentless in reminding him of his past, the criticism gradually quieted, allowing him to focus on his game, eventually securing a transfer to Olympique Marseille.
Ghanaians react to Partey’s Villarreal move
In a different report, YEN.com.gh highlighted the reactions of Ghanaian football fans to news of Thomas Partey’s anticipated move to a top Spanish club.
To many, the potential transfer is seen as a positive turn amid the legal hurdles currently confronting the midfielder.
Source: YEN.com.gh
