Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey is expected to join Saudi Pro League side Al Shabab on a one-year contract after arriving in Riyadh to complete his move.
Partey, 33, is in Saudi Arabia for the final stages of the transfer, including the mandatory medical examination required before the agreement can be signed. The move has been reported as being close to completion, although the deal remains subject to the formalities being concluded.
He is set to join Al Shabab as a free agent after his contract with Spanish club Villarreal expired. Partey played for Villarreal during the 2025/26 season, making 25 appearances in all competitions.
The proposed switch would take the experienced midfielder to the Saudi Pro League following a career that has also included spells with Atletico Madrid and Arsenal.
Partey made 130 appearances for Arsenal and scored nine goals during his time with the English Premier League club. His experience at the highest levels of European football is expected to make him a valuable addition to Al Shabab as he begins the next stage of his career in Saudi Arabia.
He remains an important member of the Ghana national team and played in three matches for the Black Stars at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
A move to Al Shabab would allow Partey to maintain regular club involvement ahead of Ghana’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. The qualifiers are scheduled to begin in September, giving the midfielder limited time to settle into his new surroundings before the national team’s campaign begins.
Ghana will also be aiming to return to the Africa Cup of Nations after missing the previous tournament. Partey is expected to offer leadership and experience as the Black Stars attempt to secure qualification.
His arrival in Riyadh marks the latest step towards a deal that would see him continue his club career in Saudi Arabia after one season with Villarreal. The transfer is expected to be completed once he has passed his medical and signed the one-year contract with Al Shabab.