Partey signs for Al-Shabab in Saudi Pro League

Al-Shabab, a Saudi Pro League team, has announced the signing of Ghanaian footballer Thomas Partey. The 33-year-old, who had a stint with Arsenal between 2020 and 2025, is now a free agent following Villarreal's decision not to renew his contract. Partey is set to face trial later this year over seven counts of rape and one charge of sexual assault, stemming from allegations made by four women between 2020 and 2022.

Despite his legal troubles, Partey was initially barred from entering Canada for the 2022 World Cup, where Ghana was set to play their opening match against Panama. He later participated in three of Ghana's games during the tournament, which ended in a loss to Colombia in the round of 32. Al-Shabab, which already boasts players like Josh Brownhill and Daniel Podence, concluded the previous season in 13th place in the Saudi Pro League and lost their first match of the current campaign.