Ghana international midfielder Thomas Partey has officially joined Saudi Pro League club Al Shabab, bringing a new chapter to a career that has taken him from Ghanaian football to the highest levels of European competition.
The 33 year old midfielder has signed a one year contract with Al Shabab after leaving Spanish club Villarreal at the end of the 2025/26 season. The move was completed as a free transfer after Villarreal decided not to extend his contract.
Partey’s arrival gives Al Shabab an experienced midfielder with years of Premier League, La Liga and Champions League experience. The Saudi club will hope his physical strength, tactical intelligence and ability to control the tempo of matches can help improve their fortunes in the Saudi Pro League.
The Ghanaian spent the 2025/26 campaign with Villarreal, making 32 appearances across competitions. His contract expired at the end of the season, leaving him available to negotiate with clubs as a free agent.
Although his latest move takes him away from European football, Partey’s career has already included some of the biggest clubs and competitions in the game.
Born Thomas Teye Partey on June 13, 1993, in Krobo Odumase, Ghana, the midfielder began developing his football career in his homeland before moving to Europe as a young player. He eventually joined Atlético Madrid’s youth system, where his technical ability and physical qualities began attracting attention.
Partey made his senior breakthrough with Atlético before spending loan spells at Mallorca and Almería. Those experiences helped him develop into a disciplined defensive midfielder capable of contributing both defensively and in possession.
His Atlético career produced several major achievements, including the UEFA Europa League and UEFA Super Cup in 2018. He also experienced the pressure of competing at the highest level of European football, including the Champions League.
Partey’s performances in Spain eventually attracted Arsenal, who signed him in 2020 for a reported £45 million. The transfer made him the most expensive Ghanaian player at the time and marked the beginning of a five year spell in the Premier League.
At Arsenal, Partey quickly became one of the central figures in the team’s midfield. His ability to win possession, break up attacks, cover defensive spaces and progress the ball made him an important component of Mikel Arteta’s tactical plans.
He made 167 appearances for the Gunners between 2020 and 2025 before leaving the Emirates.
His time in England was affected at various points by injuries, but when fully fit he was capable of producing dominant performances in midfield. His physical presence and experience also made him particularly valuable in matches against some of the Premier League’s strongest teams.
Following his departure from Arsenal, Partey returned to Spain by joining Villarreal on a free transfer in 2025. He made 32 appearances during his only season with the club before moving on again this summer.
His move to Al Shabab now gives him an opportunity to experience another footballing environment and compete in a Saudi league that has attracted a growing number of established international stars.
His international career has helped establish him as one of Ghana’s most recognisable midfielders of his generation. His performances earned him Ghana’s Player of the Year award in 2018 and 2019, while he was also named in the CAF Team of the Year in 2018.
At Al Shabab, Partey will reunite with a number of players who have experience in European football. The club’s squad has included former Atlético Madrid teammate Yannick Carrasco, alongside players such as Yacine Adli, Josh Brownhill, Vincent Sierro and Daniel Podence.
The move also comes at an important moment for Al Shabab, who are looking to strengthen their squad and improve after a difficult start to the new Saudi Pro League campaign. Partey’s arrival is expected to add leadership and greater experience to the team’s midfield.
Off the pitch, Partey is currently facing legal proceedings in the United Kingdom after being charged with seven counts of rape and two counts of sexual assault involving three women. He has denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty. The charges are matters before the courts, and no conviction has been recorded against him.
His move to Saudi Arabia therefore comes during a complicated period in his personal life, while professionally he begins another chapter after more than a decade playing in European football.
For Al Shabab, the signing represents the acquisition of a midfielder whose experience could prove valuable during a demanding season.
For Partey, the move offers an opportunity to continue his professional career, compete for another club and bring his extensive European experience to the Saudi Pro League.
From Ghana to Atlético Madrid, Arsenal and Villarreal, Partey’s career has already covered several major footballing stages. His next destination is Saudi Arabia, where Al Shabab will be hoping the experienced Ghanaian can rediscover his best form and become a major influence in their midfield.
