Thomas Partey joins Al Shabab on a free transfer in Saudi Arabia

Al Shabab have announced the signing of Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey on a free transfer, with the Saudi club presenting the 33-year-old as a “global star” who will light up the northern part of Riyadh.

The deal was confirmed on Al Shabab’s official website, where the club unveiled Partey under the headline: “Partey chose the right side of the capital… a global star lights up the north of the capital.”

Partey completed his medical in Riyadh on Thursday evening after arriving in the Saudi capital earlier that day. He was met by Al Shabab officials and taken directly to one of the city’s hospitals for the examination.

The midfielder joins Al Shabab after a career that has included spells with Atletico de Madrid and Villarreal in Spain, as well as Arsenal in England.

Partey played 32 matches for Villarreal in all competitions last season. He did not score or provide an assist during that campaign.

He also represented Ghana at the most recent 2026 World Cup.

The signing comes as Al Shabab look to improve their fortunes after a difficult start to the current campaign. They were beaten 3-1 by Al Qadsiah in their opening Saudi league fixture.

The Riyadh club then suffered an early exit from the King’s Cup, losing 3-2 to Al Wehda.

Al Shabab will try to claim their first league points of the season when they face Al Khaleej at 21:00 local time on Saturday in the second round of the Saudi league.

Partey’s arrival adds an experienced international player to a squad competing in a city that is also home to Al Hilal, Al Nassr and Al Riyadh. The four clubs are based in the Saudi capital.

The club’s announcement placed particular emphasis on Partey’s status and his arrival in the northern part of Riyadh, describing him as a high-profile addition to the city’s football scene. His first involvement comes with Al Shabab seeking a response to consecutive defeats in the league and cup.

The Ghana international’s move was completed after his medical, following the welcome he received from Al Shabab representatives at the airport and his subsequent journey to hospital. The club then formally announced the agreement and introduced him to supporters through its official website.

His previous experience in Spain and England, together with his international career with Ghana, represents the background to the signing. However, last season’s figures at Villarreal show that he finished the campaign without a goal or an assist despite making 32 appearances across all competitions.

Al Shabab’s next match against Al Khaleej will therefore provide the first immediate opportunity for the club to respond on the pitch after the defeats by Al Qadsiah and Al Wehda.