Ghana international midfielder Thomas Partey has joined Saudi Pro League club Al Shabab as a free agent, bringing his latest European adventure to an end after just one season at Spanish side Villarreal.
Al Shabab confirmed the signing on Friday through its social media platforms, welcoming the experienced midfielder with a message describing him as a “legend” and declaring that the move “just feels right.”
The transfer sees Partey begin a new chapter in Saudi Arabia after leaving Villarreal, whom he joined following his five-year spell with English Premier League giants Arsenal.
The 33-year-old midfielder moved to Villarreal after making 167 appearances for Arsenal across all competitions. During his time in north London, Partey scored nine goals and established himself as an important part of the club’s midfield.
His Arsenal career followed an impressive spell with Atlético Madrid, where he developed into one of Europe’s recognised defensive midfielders under manager Diego Simeone.
Partey came through Atlético’s youth system before progressing to the senior team. He eventually made 188 appearances for the Spanish club and played a significant role in their success.
One of the highlights of his time at Atlético came in 2018, when the club won the UEFA Europa League. Partey was part of Simeone’s squad that defeated Marseille in the final to lift the European trophy.
His time in Madrid also saw him become a LaLiga champion. Although he joined Arsenal at the beginning of the 2020-21 season, Partey had made enough appearances for Atlético earlier in the campaign to qualify for a league championship medal when the Madrid club eventually secured the title.
The Ghanaian has also enjoyed a lengthy international career with the Black Stars. He has earned 60 appearances for Ghana and scored 15 goals, becoming one of the country’s most experienced midfielders of his generation.
However, his career has also been affected by serious legal proceedings in the United Kingdom.
Partey was charged with seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault relating to allegations concerning events said to have occurred in London between 2020 and 2022. He has pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
The midfielder’s trial, which was initially scheduled to take place in November at Southwark Crown Court, has been postponed. His trial on the rape charges is now scheduled to begin on June 8, 2027.
The ongoing legal case has continued to attract significant attention, particularly because of its impact on Partey’s movements and international career.
At this summer’s World Cup, Partey was reportedly denied entry into Canada because of the ongoing criminal proceedings in the UK. Despite the situation, he was able to feature in Ghana’s remaining three matches at the tournament.
He started all three games, including Ghana’s 0-0 draw against England and the Black Stars’ 1-0 defeat to Colombia. The defeat to Colombia brought Ghana’s campaign to an end at the round-of-32 stage.
Now, Partey will turn his attention to his new challenge with Al Shabab, where he is expected to bring considerable experience to the Saudi club’s midfield.
The move will also reunite him with several familiar faces. Partey will play alongside former Premier League midfielder Josh Brownhill and Portuguese attacking midfielder Daniel Podence.
He will also link up again with former Atlético Madrid teammate Yannick Carrasco, adding another familiar connection to his new environment.
For Al Shabab, the arrival of a midfielder with Partey’s experience at Atlético Madrid, Arsenal, Villarreal and international level represents a significant addition to the squad.
Partey’s ability to operate in a defensive midfield role, combined with his experience of playing in some of Europe’s biggest competitions, could make him an important figure for the Saudi club.
For the Ghanaian, meanwhile, the move offers an opportunity to begin afresh in a different league and continue his professional career after his departure from Villarreal.
With a wealth of experience behind him and a new challenge ahead, Partey will now look to make his mark in the Saudi Pro League while continuing to navigate the legal proceedings surrounding him
