Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey has joined Al-Shabab from Villarreal on a free transfer, beginning a new chapter in the Saudi Pro League at the age of 33.
Partey completed the move on 21 August 2026 and has agreed a contract with Al-Shabab that runs until 30 June 2027. The defensive midfielder becomes the latest experienced addition to the club’s squad after leaving Villarreal, where he spent the 2025-26 season.
The right-footed player arrived at Villarreal from Arsenal on a free transfer in August 2025. Before that, Partey spent five seasons with Arsenal after moving to the Premier League club from Atletico Madrid in October 2020 for €50m.
His career has included extensive experience in Spain and England. Partey made 188 La Liga appearances, scoring 16 goals and providing seven assists, while his Premier League record stands at 130 appearances, nine goals and five assists. He also played 49 matches in the Champions League, scoring twice and contributing three assists.
Partey won the Europa League and Uefa Super Cup with Atletico Madrid, as well as the Spanish title in the 2020-21 season. He also lifted the English Super Cup with Arsenal in 2023-24 and was part of Atletico’s Champions League final team in 2015-16.
He remains a Ghana international and featured in three matches at the 2026 World Cup. Partey started 75% of Ghana’s possible games during the tournament and completed 75% of the available minutes.
The move takes Partey to his latest club after a career that has also included spells with Almeria and Mallorca on loan earlier in his time in Spain. He joined Atletico’s reserve side from Leganes’ under-19 team in 2012 before progressing into senior football.
Partey’s transfer to Al-Shabab is complete, with the Ghana international contracted to the Saudi Pro League club through June 2027.