Thomas Partey is closing in on the next move of his career, with the experienced Ghana midfielder preparing for a fresh challenge after bringing his latest European adventure to an end. At 33, the former Arsenal and Atlético Madrid star is entering another important phase of his career, with his next decision attracting considerable interest from Ghanaian football supporters.
Partey has already arrived in Riyadh as he prepares to complete the final stages of his transfer, including a mandatory medical examination. The midfielder is expected to sign a one year contract, with the move coming after the expiration of his deal with Villarreal, where he spent the 2025/26 campaign.
The Ghana international is set to join Al Shabab, the Saudi Pro League outfit that has emerged as his next destination. Partey made 25 appearances across all competitions for Villarreal last season after leaving Arsenal in 2025. His Arsenal spell produced 130 appearances and nine goals, while his earlier years at Atlético Madrid established him as one of Ghana’s most accomplished midfielders of his generation.
The move also comes at an important time for the Black Stars. Partey recently featured for Ghana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, playing in all three matches as the team reached the Round of 32. With Ghana’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign scheduled to begin in September, regular football will be crucial to maintaining his fitness and international influence.
For Partey, the transfer represents another opportunity to extend a career that has already taken him through some of European football’s biggest competitions. For Ghana, however, the focus will be on whether the experienced midfielder can remain a central figure as the Black Stars begin another campaign with the ambition of returning to the Africa Cup of Nations after missing the previous edition.
