BY NADIA NTIAMOAH
Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey has officially begun a new phase of his club career after joining Saudi Pro League side Al Shabab as a free agent, bringing his latest European adventure to an end.
Al Shabab announced the arrival of the experienced midfielder on Friday through its social media platforms, welcoming Partey to the club and describing him as a “legend”. The Saudi outfit also suggested that the move was a natural fit, signalling its confidence in the Ghanaian’s experience and qualities.
The transfer follows Partey’s spell with Spanish club Villarreal, which came after his departure from Arsenal. His move to Saudi Arabia now represents another significant step in a career that has taken him from Ghanaian football to some of the biggest stages in European football.
Partey spent five seasons at Arsenal after joining the London club ahead of the 2020/21 campaign. During his time with the Gunners, he established himself as an influential figure in midfield despite suffering a number of injury setbacks. He made 167 appearances for Arsenal and scored nine goals.
His European career, however, began several years before his arrival in England. Atlético Madrid played an important role in Partey’s development after he joined the Spanish club’s youth system. He eventually progressed into the senior team and went on to make 188 appearances for the Madrid-based club.
Partey enjoyed considerable success during his time at Atlético. He was part of the team that won the UEFA Europa League in 2018 and also collected a LaLiga winners’ medal during the club’s title-winning campaign. His performances under Diego Simeone helped establish him as one of the most highly regarded Ghanaian midfielders playing in Europe.
After leaving Atlético, Partey moved to Arsenal, where he became an important component of the club’s midfield. His ability to break up play, carry the ball and distribute possession made him a key figure during his five-year stay in north London.
