Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey signed a one-year contract with Saudi Pro League side Al-Shabab in August 2026 after Villarreal chose not to renew his contract following the 2025-2026 season, where he made 32 appearances [1, 2, 3]. Partey, 33, previously played for Arsenal between 2020 and 2025, making 167 appearances for the Premier League club [2].
Partey's move comes amid ongoing legal issues in the UK where he faces multiple criminal charges. He denies seven counts of rape and either one or two counts of sexual assault involving three or four women. He pleaded not guilty to these charges [1, 2, 3]. The exact number of assault charges and women involved differs slightly among sources: some report two assault charges involving three women, while others say one assault charge involving four women [1, 2, 3].
In June 2026, Partey was denied entry into Canada prior to Ghana's opening World Cup match against Panama. Canadian officials cited his ongoing criminal proceedings and allegations that he misrepresented his arrest and charge history [1, 2, 3]. Despite this, Partey participated in Ghana's remaining three World Cup matches. Ghana was eliminated in the round of 32 by Colombia [2].
Al-Shabab finished 13th in the Saudi Pro League last season and have lost their opening match of the new campaign [2]. Partey's signing is a notable addition as the club looks to improve results.
Partey is scheduled to stand trial in the UK in 2027 related to the charges against him [2]. His new contract with Al-Shabab covers one year.
The 33-year-old midfielder's move to Saudi Arabia marks his first venture into Middle Eastern football after his time in England and Spain.
