Thomas Partey lands new club weeks after Villarreal release

Thomas Partey has completed a move to Saudi Pro League outfit Al Shabab.

Former side Villarreal announced that they would not be renewing the Ghana international’s contract, which saw the midfielder become a free agent in June.

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The 33-year-old has since penned a one-year deal with the Middle East side.

Al Shabab released a post on their official X account that read ‘Just feels right’ on Friday.

Partey moved to the La Liga giants last summer on a free transfer after his Arsenal deal expired.

The Ghanaian spent five years on the Arsenal books having joined from Atletico Madrid in October 2020.

Who else plays for Al Shabab?

Partey will link up with a number of known stars for his new employers.

Former Burnley man Josh Brownhill joined the White Lions last year following a five-year spell at Turf Moor.

Ex-Atletico Madrid teammate Yannick Carrasco also plies his trade for the Saudi giants, who recently appointed Thomas Letsch as head coach.

Tin Jedvaj, Daniel Podence, Vincent Sierro and Yacine Adli are also among the former European players who ply their trade for Al Shabab.

Partey’s off-field legal issues

Partey started three of Ghana’s four matches at the 2026 World Cup.

However, he was forced to miss the Black Stars’ group stage meeting with Panama after his visa application was refused.

That’s because under Canadian law, foreign nationals could be found inadmissible, even without conviction.

The former Arsenal man was charged with seven counts of rape and one of sexual assault in London between 2020 and 2022.

Partey has steadfastly denied the allegations, having pleaded not guilty to the charges made by three women.

A trial date had initially been set for November 2026 at Southwark Crown Court, but has since been pushed back to start on June 8 2027.