Thomas Partey joins Al-Shabab in Saudi Pro League
Quick summary
Thomas Partey has signed for Saudi Pro League side Al-Shabab, ending his spell at Arsenal.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceSaudi Pro League side Al-Shabab confirm the signing of Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey.
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What happened
Thomas Partey has completed a move to Al-Shabab in the Saudi Pro League, bringing an end to his time at Arsenal where he had been a regular in midfield over several seasons. The move continues the Saudi Pro League's pattern of recruiting established European-based players. For Al-Shabab, the signing represents a significant midfield addition, while Arsenal will need to address the gap left in their engine room ahead of the new season.
Chance analysis
Partey's switch to Al-Shabab is another example of the Saudi Pro League pulling established Premier League midfielders into its project. Al-Shabab land a player with Champions League pedigree and years of top-level experience, which should immediately raise the technical ceiling of their midfield. For Arsenal, this is the end of a long-running departure saga and a clear signal that Mikel Arteta's squad-building will need to account for a gap in the holding-midfield role.
Al-Shabab gain an experienced, high-calibre midfielder; Arsenal lose a senior midfield option heading into the new season.