Thomas Partey takes No. 18 shirt after Al Shabab Saudi move

Thomas Partey will wear the No. 18 shirt for Al Shabab after joining the Saudi Pro League club from Villarreal. The Ghana midfielder’s arrival was announced on Friday, beginning his first spell in Saudi football.

The number carries a link to Partey’s earlier career. He also wore No. 18 during his first season at Arsenal, after moving to the Premier League side from Atletico Madrid in 2020.

Partey spent five seasons with Arsenal before switching to Villarreal in 2025. He made 32 appearances for the Spanish club last season, then became a free agent when his contract ended at the close of the 2025/26 campaign.

His agreement with Al Shabab runs until June 2027. The move brings the 33-year-old into the Saudi Pro League after more than 10 years of football in Europe.

Partey began his European career with Atletico Madrid in 2013. During his time with the Spanish club, he won the Europa League and the UEFA Super Cup before making the move to Arsenal.

The Ghana international now takes his experience from La Liga, the Premier League and European competitions to Al Shabab. His No. 18 shirt marks the start of a new phase after his latest season in Spain.