Thomas Partey starts new Saudi Pro League chapter with Al Shabab

Ghana international Thomas Partey has left European football to continue his career in Saudi Arabia after Al Shabab confirmed his arrival on a one-year contract.

The Riyadh-based club announced the signing on its Instagram account, completing the move for the 33-year-old midfielder as a free agent. Partey’s previous agreement with Villarreal was not extended for another season, allowing him to join Al Shabab without a transfer fee.

The move, first reported exclusively by Africafoot, brings to an end Partey’s spell in Europe and gives Al Shabab an experienced addition as they pursue their ambitions in the Saudi Pro League.

Partey has previously played for Atletico de Madrid and Arsenal, giving him extensive experience at the highest level of European football. He joins an Al Shabab squad that already includes several players with Premier League and LaLiga backgrounds.

Among his new team-mates are Josh Brownhill, Daniel Podence and Yannick Carrasco. Carrasco is a former Atletico de Madrid team-mate of Partey, adding a familiar connection to the Ghanaian’s new surroundings.

Partey did not have to wait long to make his debut. Only a few hours after the transfer was confirmed, he came on as a substitute in Al Shabab’s 1-1 draw with Al Khaleej in the Saudi Pro League.

His arrival is therefore already having an immediate impact on the club’s squad, although the move represents a significant change after several years competing in Europe. Partey’s market value is estimated at 2m euros.

Al Shabab’s next league fixture will be against Al Riyadh in the third round of the Saudi championship. The match will provide Partey with another opportunity to settle into his new team and compete in his first full league appearance for the club.

Betting odds listed for the fixture give Al Shabab a price of 1.61 to win, while a draw is rated at 3.90 and an Al Riyadh victory at 4.10 by 1xbet.