Ghana international Thomas Partey has officially joined Saudi Arabian club Al-Shabab on a one-year contract after leaving Villarreal.
The move was confirmed by Al-Shabab, who announced the arrival of the midfielder following the end of his one-year deal with Villarreal. Partey departs the Spanish club after making around 30 league appearances during his time there.
The agreement brings an end to Partey’s spell at Villarreal and begins a new chapter in Saudi Arabia. Al-Shabab have secured the Ghanaian’s services on a contract running for one year, although no further terms of the deal were disclosed in the announcement.
Partey is an experienced midfielder whose career has included a spell with Arsenal before his move to Villarreal. His departure from the Spanish club comes at the conclusion of his contract, with his league involvement during the campaign amounting to approximately 30 appearances.
The transfer was announced against the backdrop of legal proceedings in Great Britain involving the former Arsenal player. Partey has been cited in a trial concerning seven allegations of rape and two allegations of sexual assault.
He denies the accusations and has pleaded not guilty to the rape and sexual assault charges relating to three women. The allegations remain allegations, and no finding of guilt is stated in the information provided.
Al-Shabab’s confirmation makes the transfer official, with Partey now set to continue his career in Saudi Arabia. The club’s announcement marks the conclusion of his time at Villarreal, where he played under a one-year contract and featured regularly in the league.
The Ghana international’s next contract will last for a single season. His move means he leaves Spain after his period with Villarreal and joins Al-Shabab as a free agent at the end of his existing agreement.
The club did not provide details beyond the length of the contract and the confirmation of Partey’s arrival. His record of around 30 league appearances for Villarreal represents the principal on-field detail given about his campaign before the move.
Partey’s transfer therefore combines a straightforward change of club with continuing legal proceedings in Britain. Al-Shabab have confirmed the footballing decision, while the allegations involving the midfielder remain contested by him.