Thomas Partey Signs for Al-Shabab in Saudi Pro League

Saudi Pro League side Al-Shabab have completed the signing of Ghana international Thomas Partey following his release from Villarreal.

The 33-year-old arrives in the Middle East as a free agent after the Spanish club opted against renewing his contract this summer.

His move follows a brief stint in La Liga, which came after he made 167 appearances for Arsenal between 2020 and 2025.

Ongoing legal proceedings

The former Gunners player is scheduled to stand trial next year in the United Kingdom.

He has pleaded not guilty to seven charges of rape and one count of sexual assault.

These charges relate to allegations made by four different women between 2020 and 2022.

During this summer’s World Cup, the veteran midfielder was denied entry to Canada prior to Ghana’s opening fixture against Panama.

Border officials refused him entry because of the active criminal proceedings in the UK.

The Ghanaian had incorrectly informed immigration authorities that he had never been arrested or charged with a crime.

He subsequently featured in his nation’s remaining three tournament matches as they were eliminated by Colombia in the last 32 stage.

The Riyadh-based outfit will be hoping their new acquisition can improve their domestic fortunes.

Al-Shabab finished a disappointing 13th in the Saudi top flight last season and suffered a defeat in their opening match of the current campaign.

Their squad features familiar names to English football fans, including former Burnley captain Josh Brownhill and ex-Wolves winger Daniel Podence.