By Kwame Bediako
Ghana’s midfield enforcer, Thomas Partey stood firm in Southwark Crown Court on April 13, 2026, pleading not guilty to two fresh rape charges involving a fourth woman from December 2020.
The 32-year-old now faces seven rape counts total, five from two women (2021-2022) plus one sexual assault on a third, stemming from his Arsenal days after that €50m Atletico switch.
Bailed out ahead of a November trial (possibly delayed), Partey’s legal storm rages on post-Arsenal exit last summer. Villarreal snapped him up anyway: 19 La Liga starts, five Champions League nods, chasing rhythm amid the chaos.
Black Stars brass keeps faith for 2026 World Cup Group L; panama, Croatia, England, despite the off-field thunder. Over 50 caps deep, Partey’s steel could anchor Ghana’s tilt, if courts clear.
From Premier League highs to Spanish revival, allegations shadow his every pass. Not guilty pleas echo his stance; Villarreal form hints focus holds, barely.
