Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey arrives in Saudi Arabia for Al Shabab medical

Thomas Partey has arrived in Saudi Arabia to complete the final steps of his proposed move to Al Shabab after leaving Villarreal as a free agent.

The Ghana international landed in Riyadh early on Monday and is expected to undergo a medical examination before signing his contract with the Saudi club.

Partey is set to join Al Shabab following the expiry of his one-year deal with Villarreal.

If he successfully completes the medical, the 32-year-old midfielder will sign a one-year contract and begin a new chapter of his career in Saudi Arabia.

Partey closes in on Al Shabab move

The former Atletico Madrid and Arsenal midfielder travelled to Saudi Arabia with his move to Al Shabab nearing completion.

The medical is the remaining major step before the deal can be formally concluded, with the Saudi club hoping to complete the signing once Partey has been cleared.

Partey’s arrival comes after his departure from Villarreal, where he spent the 2025-26 season following his exit from Arsenal.

The Ghanaian joined the Spanish club as a free agent and made 25 appearances across all competitions during his only season there.

A new chapter after Arsenal and Villarreal

Partey left Arsenal in 2025 after making 130 appearances for the Premier League club and scoring nine goals.

He subsequently moved to Villarreal for the 2025-26 campaign, adding another chapter to a career that has also included a spell with Atletico Madrid.

His proposed move to Al Shabab would now take him to the Saudi league, where he is expected to continue his career after becoming a free agent.

At 32, Partey arrives with considerable experience at both club and international level, having established himself as an important member of the Ghana national team.

Partey played at 2026 World Cup

The midfielder was also involved with Ghana at the 2026 World Cup in North America.

Partey made three appearances for the Black Stars during the tournament as Ghana reached the Round of 32.

His experience was an important part of Ghana’s campaign, and his move to Al Shabab could give him another opportunity to maintain his competitive level ahead of the national team’s next major challenge.

The proposed transfer comes as Ghana prepares for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, which is scheduled to begin in September 2026.

Ghana preparing for AFCON qualifiers

Partey’s continued involvement at club level will be closely watched as the Black Stars prepare for their qualifying matches.

Ghana are seeking a return to the Africa Cup of Nations after missing the previous edition, making the upcoming qualifying campaign an important one for the national side.

The experienced midfielder is expected to play a significant role in Ghana’s efforts during the qualifiers.

For now, however, Partey’s immediate focus is on completing his move to Al Shabab.

His medical in Riyadh represents the final hurdle before the one-year agreement can be signed.

If everything proceeds as expected, the former Arsenal and Atletico Madrid player will officially begin his Saudi Arabian adventure with Al Shabab.