Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey has embarked on a new chapter in his club career after joining Saudi Pro League outfit Al Shabab as a free agent.

The Saudi club confirmed the signing on Friday, unveiling the experienced midfielder on its social media platforms and describing him as a “legend”, while adding that the move “just feels right.”

The transfer brings Partey’s European career to an end, following a season with Spanish side Villarreal. He had joined Villarreal after leaving Arsenal, where he established himself as one of the club’s key midfielders during a five-year spell.

Partey, 33, made 167 appearances for Arsenal and scored nine goals during his time in north London.

His career in Europe, however, stretches back further, with Atlético Madrid playing a significant role in his development. The Ghanaian came through the Spanish club’s youth system before progressing into the first team and making 188 appearances.

He was part of the Atlético side that won the UEFA Europa League in 2018 and also earned a LaLiga winners’ medal from the club’s title-winning campaign.

A decorated European career

Partey’s move to Al Shabab adds another chapter to a career that has taken him from Ghana to the highest levels of European football.

After developing at Atlético, he became a regular under Diego Simeone before securing a move to Arsenal at the beginning of the 2020-21 season.

Although his Arsenal spell was interrupted by injuries at various stages, Partey remained an important figure in the club’s midfield and featured prominently during his five seasons with the Gunners.

He subsequently moved to Villarreal before becoming a free agent and eventually agreeing to continue his career in Saudi Arabia.

At international level, Partey has earned 60 caps for Ghana and scored 15 goals for the Black Stars.

His international career was, however, overshadowed by controversy surrounding his participation at this summer’s World Cup after he was denied entry into Canada amid ongoing criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom.

Partey denies allegations

Partey has been charged with seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault relating to allegations said to have occurred in London between 2020 and 2022.

He has pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

His trial, originally scheduled for November at Southwark Crown Court, has been postponed and is now expected to begin on June 8, 2027.

Despite the controversy, Partey was able to feature in Ghana’s other three matches at the tournament, starting each of them.

He played in the Black Stars’ 0-0 draw with England and their 1-0 defeat to Colombia, a result that ended Ghana’s campaign at the round of 32 stage.

New challenge in Saudi Arabia

Partey now turns his attention to Al Shabab and the next phase of his career in the rapidly expanding Saudi Pro League.

He will not be short of familiar faces at his new club, with former Premier League players Josh Brownhill and Daniel Podence also on the team.

He will also be reunited with former Atlético Madrid teammate Yannick Carrasco.

For Partey, the move represents an opportunity to bring his experience at the highest level of European football to a new league, while Al Shabab will be hoping the Ghanaian’s physical presence, passing ability and experience can strengthen its midfield.