Thomas Partey Joins Saudi Pro League Club Al-Shabab

Saudi Pro League club Al-Shabab have completed the signing of Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey. The Riyadh side announced the move on Friday, with BBC Sport reporting that the former Arsenal and Atletico Madrid player has joined after spending the 2025-26 season with Villarreal in Spain.

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Partey arrives as a free agent following the end of his Villarreal contract. Spanish newspaper AS reported that the 33-year-old made 32 appearances for the club last season, although his role became more limited during the second half of the campaign after two muscular injuries. Villarreal did not extend his stay beyond the single season.

Al-Shabab's announcement confirmed Partey's arrival but did not state the length or financial terms of the agreement. AS and Ghana outlet SportsWorldGhana both reported that he signed a one-year contract. The club presented the midfielder through its official social media channels, ending the uncertainty over his next destination before the new Saudi league campaign.

The move takes Partey outside European club football after a career spent primarily in Spain and England. He developed at Atletico Madrid, had loan spells with Mallorca and Almeria, and then established himself in Atletico's first team. Arsenal signed him from the Spanish club for £45 million in October 2020, according to BBC Sport. He went on to make 167 appearances for Arsenal before leaving when his contract expired in June 2025.

Partey returned to La Liga with Villarreal in August 2025. BBC Sport reported at the time that he joined the club following his Arsenal release. His latest transfer makes Al-Shabab the fifth senior club of his career when the two early loan teams are counted separately from Atletico, Arsenal and Villarreal.

Al-Shabab finished 13th in the Saudi Pro League last season, according to French football publication So Foot. Partey's signing adds a defensive midfielder with experience in La Liga, the Premier League and European club competitions to their squad. The confirmed move also gives the Ghana international a club for the 2026-27 season, with the reported one-year term set to keep him in Riyadh through the end of that campaign.