Thomas Partey has officially signed with Saudi Pro League club Al Shabab on a one-year contract following his departure from Spanish side Villarreal, according to reports from ESPN and Foot Africa. The 33-year-old Ghanaian midfielder joins the Riyadh-based club as a free agent, bringing extensive European experience to the Middle East.
Transfer Details and Villarreal Departure
Partey arrives at Al Shabab after spending the previous season in Spain with Villarreal, where he made 25 La Liga appearances, including eight starts, according to Foot Africa. Although his initial contract included an option for an extra year, the Spanish club chose not to extend his stay, leaving him available on a free transfer this summer. According to Sport-News.ca, Partey spent recent weeks conditioning in Turkey before traveling to Riyadh to finalize his medical examinations and contract terms.
European Pedigree and Career Context
Before his stint in La Liga, Partey spent five seasons in the Premier League with Arsenal, making 130 appearances and scoring nine goals after arriving from Atlético de Madrid in 2020, as reported by The New York Times and Foot Africa. During his time in North London, he established himself as a central figure in manager Mikel Arteta’s squad before departing in the summer of 2025. His move to Al Shabab places him back in a high-profile league alongside former Atlético de Madrid teammate Yannick Carrasco, who has played for the Saudi club for the past three seasons, according to Sport-News.ca.
Impact on Ghana’s National Team
Having earned 60 caps and scored 15 goals for the Black Stars, Partey recently featured in three matches during Ghana’s campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to Foot Africa and Sport-News.ca.
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