Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey will wear the No. 18 shirt after completing his move to Saudi Pro League club Al Shabab.
The 33-year-old has joined the Saudi side on a one-year contract after departing Villarreal at the conclusion of the 2025/26 season. Al Shabab confirmed the signing on Friday, marking the beginning of a new stage in the midfielder’s career.
Partey’s choice of shirt number carries a link to his previous career in the Premier League. He wore No. 18 during his first season with Arsenal after completing his move from Atletico Madrid in 2020.
The Ghana international spent five seasons at Arsenal before leaving England for Villarreal in 2025. During his only season with the Spanish club, Partey made 32 appearances before his contract came to an end.
His move to Al Shabab means Partey will continue his career in the Saudi Pro League after more than 10 years playing football in Europe.
The midfielder began his European career with Atletico Madrid in 2013 and went on to establish himself at the Spanish club before making the move to Arsenal. His time at Atletico included success in European competition, with Partey winning both the Europa League and UEFA Super Cup.
He moved to Arsenal in 2020 in a transfer reportedly worth 50 million. During his five seasons in north London, he gained extensive experience in the Premier League as well as European competitions.
Partey then moved to Villarreal in 2025, where he featured 32 times during the 2025/26 campaign. With his contract expiring, the midfielder was available as a free agent before agreeing terms with Al Shabab.
His new agreement with the Saudi club will run until June 2027, giving him the opportunity to continue playing at the highest level while beginning his first experience of Saudi football.
The move also adds a player with experience across three major European leagues to the Al Shabab squad. Partey has played in La Liga with Atletico Madrid and Villarreal, while his five-year spell at Arsenal gave him extensive exposure to English football.
For Partey, the No. 18 shirt provides a familiar detail as he begins life in Saudi Arabia. The same number was associated with his first season at Arsenal, following his arrival from Atletico Madrid.
He now returns to wearing it as he starts another chapter of his career with Al Shabab.
The Ghana midfielder will bring his experience of domestic and European football to his new club after more than a decade in Europe. His move to Saudi Arabia represents his latest career transition, with the midfielder now preparing for his first season in the Saudi Pro League.
Partey joins Al Shabab as a free agent and is contracted until June 2027, with the No. 18 shirt awaiting him for the next phase of his career.
