Thomas Partey Joins Saudi Club Al Shabab

Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey has joined Saudi Pro League club Al Shabab as a free agent, bringing his European club career to an end.

Al Shabab confirmed the signing on Friday, introducing the experienced midfielder on its social media platforms and describing him as a “legend”. The club also said the move “just feels right.”

The transfer comes after Partey spent the 2025-26 season with Spanish side Villarreal. He joined the club after leaving Arsenal, where he spent five years and became an important part of the midfield.

Partey, 33, made 167 appearances for Arsenal and scored nine goals during his time at the London club. His time in England was, however, affected by injuries at different stages, although he remained an important player when available.

Before moving to Arsenal, Partey built a strong reputation in Spain with Atlético Madrid. He joined the club’s youth system and worked his way into the senior team. He eventually made 188 appearances for Atlético.

During his time with the Spanish club, Partey won the UEFA Europa League in 2018. He was also part of the Atlético team that won the LaLiga title.

Partey’s move to Al Shabab adds another chapter to a career that has taken him from Ghana to some of Europe’s biggest clubs.

After developing at Atlético Madrid, Partey became a regular under manager Diego Simeone. His performances earned him a move to Arsenal at the beginning of the 2020-21 season.

At Arsenal, the Ghanaian midfielder was often used as a defensive midfielder and was valued for his strength, passing and ability to control the middle of the pitch. Despite his injury problems, he made 167 appearances for the club before leaving for Villarreal.

He later moved to Villarreal and spent a season with the Spanish club before becoming a free agent. He has now chosen to continue his career in Saudi Arabia.

At international level, Partey has won 60 caps for Ghana and scored 15 goals for the Black Stars. He has been an important member of the national team for several years.

His international career, however, has also faced controversy following his participation at this summer’s World Cup. Partey was denied entry into Canada amid ongoing criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom.

Partey has been charged with seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault over allegations said to have occurred in London between 2020 and 2022.

He has pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

His trial, which was originally scheduled for November at Southwark Crown Court, has been postponed and is now expected to begin on June 8, 2027.

Despite the legal situation, Partey was able to play in three of Ghana’s matches at the World Cup, starting all three. He featured in the Black Stars’ 0-0 draw with England and their 1-0 defeat by Colombia, which ended Ghana’s campaign at the round of 32 stage.

Partey now begins a new chapter with Al Shabab in the Saudi Pro League.

The Ghanaian will have some familiar faces around him at the club. Former Premier League players Josh Brownhill and Daniel Podence are also part of the team.

He will also reunite with former Atlético Madrid teammate Yannick Carrasco.

Al Shabab will hope Partey’s experience in European football will strengthen its midfield. His physical strength, passing ability and experience at the highest level could make him an important player for the Saudi club.