sevendayweekender – Saudi Pro League club Al-Shabab have confirmed the signing of Ghana international Thomas Partey. The midfielder joins the Saudi club after becoming a free agent during the summer.
Partey previously played for Arsenal between 2020 and 2025. He made 167 appearances for the Gunners during his five-year spell with the Premier League club.
The midfielder later joined Villarreal, but the Spanish club decided against extending his contract. That decision left Partey available as a free agent before his move to Saudi Arabia.
Partey has now agreed to continue his career with Al-Shabab. The Saudi Pro League side becomes the latest club in a career that has included spells in several European leagues.
The Ghana international began his senior career with Atlético Madrid before gaining experience through loan spells. He eventually established himself as an important midfielder at Atlético before moving to Arsenal.
His five-year spell in north London produced 167 appearances across competitions. Partey became an important presence in Arsenal’s midfield during his time at the club.
His move to Al-Shabab comes amid significant developments away from football. Partey is scheduled to stand trial next year following criminal allegations in the United Kingdom.
He has pleaded not guilty to seven charges of rape and one count of sexual assault. The charges relate to allegations made by four different women between 2020 and 2022.
The allegations remain subject to legal proceedings. Partey denies the charges and is due to face trial next year.
Partey Joins Al-Shabab After Legal Issues Affected Ghana World Cup Campaign
Partey’s legal proceedings also affected his involvement with Ghana during this summer’s World Cup. He was denied entry to Canada before Ghana’s opening match against Panama.
The decision was linked to the ongoing criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom. Partey subsequently played in Ghana’s remaining three matches at the tournament.
Ghana eventually exited the competition in the last 32 after losing to Colombia. Partey’s participation in the tournament came despite the circumstances surrounding his ongoing legal case.
The midfielder also provided incorrect information to Canadian officials regarding his legal status. According to reports, Partey told officials that he had never been arrested or charged with a crime.
The legal proceedings remain separate from his new club career. Partey will now continue playing for Al-Shabab while the court process proceeds in the United Kingdom.
Al-Shabab finished 13th in the Saudi Pro League last season. The club also lost its opening league match of the current campaign.
The Saudi side’s squad already includes several players with experience in English football. Former Burnley captain Josh Brownhill is among the club’s current players.
Former Wolverhampton Wanderers winger Daniel Podence is also part of the Al-Shabab squad. Partey’s arrival adds further international experience to the team’s midfield.
At 33, Partey brings extensive experience from top-level European and international football. His previous clubs include Atlético Madrid, Arsenal, and Villarreal.
His move to Saudi Arabia marks another stage of his professional career. Al-Shabab will hope his experience can strengthen the squad following their difficult start to the new league campaign.
Partey will now focus on his new role with Al-Shabab while his legal case continues through the British courts. The midfielder remains entitled to the presumption of innocence while the charges are pending.
