Partey begins new chapter in Saudi Arabia with Al Shabab

Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey has made a significant move to his career as he signs a free agent deal with Saudi Pro League club Al Shabab. The transfer was confirmed by the Saudi club on Friday, with the team hailing Partey as a "legend" and expressing that the move "just feels right." This signing marks the end of Partey's European career, following a stint at Spanish side Villarreal. Before that, he spent five years at Arsenal, where he established himself as a key player.

Partey's European journey began at Atlético Madrid, where he played 188 matches and was part of the team that won the UEFA Europa League in 2018. He has been a regular at Atlético under manager Diego Simeone and was instrumental in their LaLiga winners' campaign.

At the international level, Partey has earned 60 caps for Ghana and scored 15 goals for his national team, the Black Stars. However, his international career has been marred by controversy surrounding his participation in the 2022 World Cup due to allegations of rape and sexual assault in the UK. Despite the charges, Partey has maintained his innocence and pleaded not guilty. His trial has been postponed and is now expected to begin in June 2027.

The move to Al Shabab represents a new challenge for Partey in the rapidly growing Saudi Pro League. He will be playing alongside former Premier League players Josh Brownhill and Daniel Podence, as well as reuniting with his former Atlético Madrid teammate Yannick Carrasco. For Partey, the move is an opportunity to bring his European experience to a new league, while Al Shabab hopes that his physical presence, passing ability, and experience will bolster their midfield.