Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey is back in the transfer headlines ahead of the summer transfer window, with his time at Villarreal set to come to an end after just a year at the end of the season.
The 32-year-old, who began his career at Atletico Madrid secured a return to the La Liga last summer to join the Yellow Submarines, following his exit from Premier League side Arsenal, where he spent five years and left after his contract expired.
Partey agreed a one-year contract with Villarreal, and there was a lot of promise surrounding his arrival at the club last summer, with talks of extending his stay further if he impresses after the campaign.
However, the experienced midfielder has been faced allegations of rape and sexual assault during his time in England, which has affected his focus and performances on the pitch this season. Despite playing 25 times in the La Liga, he only started eight of those matches and even came under criticism from head coach Marcelino Garcia earlier in the season.
Villarreal will not trigger the option to extend Partey’s contract by an additional year, with the midfielder set to be available as a free agent during the summer. While his focus will be on helping Ghana achieve a good finish at the upcoming FIFA World Cup tournament, the 32-year-old will also be eager to sort his future and settle at a new club.
Here are four possible destinations for Partey this summer.
Galatasaray (Turkey)
Turkish champions Galatasaray have long admired Thomas Partey and could reignite their interest this summer, especially since he will be available on a free transfer when he finally leaves Villarreal.
The Cimbom have dominated Turkey in recent seasons, winning the last four league titles, but are hoping to mount a more serious challenge in Europe next season, and adding the experience of Partey to the team would boost their chances.
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Inter Miami (MLS)
MLS Cup champions Inter Miami could also make a move for Thomas Partey as they look to strengthen their squad with the addition of another top midfielder following the departure of Sergio Busquets at the end of last season.
While Manchester United midfielder Casemiro remains their top target, they could end up making a move for Partey if they miss out on the Brazilian.
The Ghanaian midfielder will also be excited by the opportunity, which gives him a chance to play alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez as they challenge to defend their league crown this season.
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Al Ittihad (Saudi Arabia)
Saudi Pro League side Al Ittihad are eyeing reinforcements in the summer and could join the list of interested clubs to sign Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey.
The 2025 Saudi champions have endured a disappointing campaign and the departure of Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante in January has freed up space for the addition of an international player, which could leave the room for them to make a move for the 32-year-old Ghanaian star.
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Barcelona (Spain)
Spanish champions Barcelona were interested in signing Partey before he moved to Villarreal last summer and could make a move once again as they look to add more depth to their squad ahead of next season.
Given their financial difficulties, signing Partey on a free transfer would be a major boost, and the 32-year-old’s experience in the Spanish top-flight would be an added advantage for Hansi Flick’s side.
