One‑year contract for Thomas Partey highlights Saudi Pro League lure

A one‑year contract awaits Ghana midfielder Thomas Teye Partey as he prepares to join Saudi Arabian club Al Shabab, a move reported by GHANAsoccernet.com. The 32‑year‑old deputy captain will sign the short‑term deal after completing his medical in Riyadh early Monday.

Free transfer to Al Shabab

Partey will arrive in Saudi Arabia as a free agent following the expiration of his contract with Spanish side Villarreal, where he spent the 2025/26 season. He landed in the capital, Riyadh, early Monday morning and is scheduled for a mandatory medical before putting pen to paper. Shabab.The club confirmed the paperwork is almost complete.

The experienced midfielder previously starred for Atletico Madrid before moving to Arsenal, where he logged 130 appearances and scored nine goals. After leaving the North London club in 2025, he joined Villarreal on a free transfer and featured 25 times across all competitions during his solitary season in Spain.

International pedigree and World Cup experience

Partey remains a key figure for Ghana, having represented the Black Stars at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. He featured in three matches as Ghanas campaign reached the Round of 32. His presence is expected to bolster the squad ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, which begin in September.

With the Black Stars aiming to return to the AFCON tournament after missing the previous edition, the veteran midfielder is poised to provide leadership both on and off the pitch for Ghana. His move to the Saudi Pro League offers regular competitive action to maintain form for the upcoming qualifiers.