Thomas Partey joins Saudi Pro League side Al-Shabab

n n

Ghana international Thomas Partey has joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Shabab on a free transfer, signing a one-year contract with the club.

n

The 33-year-old midfielder becomes a free agent after leaving Spanish side Villarreal, where he made 32 appearances during the 2025/26 season. Villarreal opted not to extend his contract.

n

Partey previously spent five seasons at Arsenal, making 167 appearances for the Gunners between 2020 and 2025 before moving to Villarreal.

n

According to BBC Sport on Friday, his move to Saudi Arabia marks the latest chapter in a career that has also included a successful spell at Atlético Madrid.

n

Partey’s arrival is expected to add experience and strength to Al-Shabab’s midfield as the club looks to improve its fortunes in the Saudi Pro League.

n

Partey wrongly told officials he had never been arrested or charged with a crime. He went on to play in Ghana’s other three games at the tournament as they lost in the last 32 stage to Colombia.

n

The Ghana midfielder joins Al-Shabab as the club seeks to strengthen its squad following a difficult start to the new campaign.

n n