Ghana international midfielder Thomas Partey has signed a one-year contract with Saudi Pro League club Al Shabab, the club confirmed on Friday.
The 33-year-old joins as a free agent after his contract with Spanish side Villarreal expired at the end of last season. Partey made around 30 appearances for the Yellow Submarine during his sole campaign there.
The move ends 13 years in European football for the experienced defensive midfielder. He previously starred for Atlético Madrid, where he won the Europa League in 2018 and contributed to a La Liga title, before a five-year stint at Arsenal (2020–2025) that saw him make over 160 appearances.
At Al Shabab, Partey will link up with fellow former Premier League players Josh Brownhill and Daniel Podence, as well as his former Atlético teammate Yannick Carrasco. The Riyadh-based club finished 13th in the Saudi Pro League last season.
Partey, a key figure for Ghana with more than 60 caps, featured at the 2026 World Cup and will look to maintain his form ahead of the Black Stars’ upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
