Saudi Pro League side Al-Shabab have confirmed the signing of Ghana international Thomas Partey. The former Arsenal midfielder, who made 167 appearances for the Gunners between 2020 and 2025, became a free agent this summer when Villarreal decided against extending his expiring contract.

The 33-year-old is scheduled to stand trial next year after pleading not guilty to seven charges of rape and one count of sexual assault relating to allegations by four different women between 2020 and 2022. During this summer's World Cup, Partey was denied entry to Canada before Ghana's opening match against Panama because of ongoing criminal proceedings in the UK.

Partey wrongly told officials he had never been arrested or charged with a crime. He went on to play in Ghana's other three games at the tournament as they lost in the last 32 stage to Colombia. Al-Shabab, whose squad contains former Burnley captain Josh Brownhill and ex-Wolves winger Daniel Podence, finished 13th last season in the Saudi Pro League and lost their opening match this term.