Thomas Partey joins Saudi Pro League side Al-Shabab

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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