Former Arsenal and Ghana Black Stars midfielder Thomas Partey has been officially charged with multiple counts of rape and sexual assault in the United Kingdom.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) confirmed that Partey faces five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, linked to incidents involving three different women between 2021 and 2022.

According to UK media reports, two of the complainants have accused the footballer of rape, while a third alleges he sexually assaulted her.

The charges come after a lengthy investigation by the Metropolitan Police, and Partey is now scheduled to appear before Westminster Magistrates’ Court on August 5, 2025.

In a statement, the CPS emphasized that the case is now active and warned the public, especially on social media, to refrain from making comments that could jeopardize the legal process or undermine the defendant’s right to a fair trial.

Partey, 32, who last played for Arsenal and has been a key figure for Ghana’s national team over the past decade, has not publicly responded to the charges as of the time of this publication.

This development marks a significant turn in the footballer’s career and raises fresh discussions around the conduct and accountability of public figures both on and off the pitch.

Barcelona have reignited their interest in Dutch full-back Denzel Dumfries, with new manager Hansi Flick keen on bolstering his options on the right flank. According to reports from Spain and Italy, the Catalan giants are seriously considering the Inter Milan defender, who impressed in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals against Barça last season.

Flick’s Tactical Vision

Since his arrival, Flick has made it clear he wants a more dynamic presence at full-back, particularly down the right. While Jules Koundé, Eric García, and youngster Héctor Fort are all options, none offer the attacking threat or physical intensity that Dumfries consistently delivers.

The 28-year-old Dutch international fits the mould of an aggressive wing-back—strong going forward, quick in transition, and disciplined in defence. He registered two goals and three assists across both legs against Barcelona in the Champions League, performances that reportedly left a lasting impression on the Blaugrana staff.

A €25 Million Opportunity

Dumfries has a €25 million release clause, which remains valid until mid-July. This gives Barcelona a narrow window to trigger the deal before Inter Milan re-evaluates their asking price or opens talks for a contract extension.

While €25 million is considered reasonable for a player of Dumfries’ calibre, Barça’s current financial restrictions mean the club must first free up space under La Liga’s salary cap rules. The “1:1 rule” requires Barcelona to match every euro spent with one earned or saved, adding complexity to any incoming transfers.

Financial Juggling and Next Steps

To proceed with the Dumfries deal, Barcelona are expected to offload players to generate funds and reduce their wage bill. Names like Sergiño Dest, Marcos Alonso, and Clément Lenglet are believed to be on the exit list.

If they can successfully balance the books, Dumfries could become Barça’s first major signing of the summer and a vital cog in Flick’s tactical system. Sources close to the club believe a formal bid could be submitted in the coming days, should the financial green light be given.

A Strategic Fit

For Flick, Dumfries offers more than just depth. His physicality, overlapping runs, and ability to stretch defences could provide a new dimension to Barcelona’s right flank—particularly important as the team looks to reassert itself both in La Liga and Europe.

With just days left before the clause expires, the coming week will be critical in determining whether Denzel Dumfries becomes the next chapter in Barcelona’s summer rebuild.

PORTO, PORTUGAL — The funerals for Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva are set to take place tomorrow morning in Gondomar, near Porto, following the tragic accident in Zamora, Spain. The brothers were killed early on July 3 when their Lamborghini veered off the A‑52 motorway, burst into flames, and tragically claimed both their lives ().

Originally announced to begin at 4 pm on Friday, the service was later rescheduled to 10 am on Saturday. A wake will be held beforehand at São Cosme Chapel, followed by the funeral Mass at the adjoining Igreja Matriz de Gondomar.

READ ALSO: JUST IN: Liverpool Star Diogo Jota, 28, Dies in Tragic Car Crash Alongside Brother in Spain

The 28‑year‑old Jota—who married Rute Cardoso just two weeks ago on June 22—and his 25‑year‑old brother, who played for Penafiel, leave behind grieving families including three young children  .

Hearses carrying their bodies were observed arriving in Puebla de Sanabria, northwestern Spain, after the crash.

READ ALSO: Forever 20: Liverpool to Immortalise Jota’s Iconic Shirt After Tragic Loss

Authorities believe a tyre blow-out occurred as Jota attempted to overtake another vehicle in what is known as a dangerous stretch of road. The vehicle then burst into flames on impact.

“The funeral is expected to draw prominent figures, including Portugal’s president Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa,” said a local priest  . Additional tributes are planned at Anfield, where Liverpool FC has established both physical and digital books of condolence, and will lower flags to half-mast  .