Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey has opened up about some of the factors he considers when deciding whether to join a new football club.
According to Partey, moving to a new club is not simply about finding another team to play for. The experienced midfielder considers whether the move will provide him with a fresh challenge, as well as the environment in which he will continue his professional career.
One of the important factors for Partey is the manager. He believes the relationship between a player and his coach can have a major influence on how comfortable and motivated a player feels at a club.
The midfielder also considers whether he will be happy in his new environment. For Partey, finding a club where he can feel comfortable and continue enjoying football is an important part of making a career decision.
His comments come as he begins another chapter in his career following his move from Spanish side Villarreal to Saudi Pro League club Al-Shabab.
Al-Shabab confirmed the signing of the Ghana international on August 21, 2026, with Partey agreeing to a one-year contract with the Saudi club. He joined the team as a free agent after Villarreal decided not to renew his contract.
The move represents another major stage in Partey’s career, having previously played for clubs including Atlético Madrid, Arsenal and Villarreal.
Partey spent five seasons at Arsenal after joining the English club from Atlético Madrid in 2020. He subsequently moved to Villarreal in 2025 and made 32 appearances for the Spanish side during the 2025/26 season.
His decision to join Al-Shabab demonstrates his willingness to embrace a different footballing environment as he continues his career.
At 33, Partey brings considerable experience to his new club, having competed in major European competitions and represented Ghana at international level.
His career has also involved several changes of environment, making his comments about choosing clubs particularly relevant. Rather than focusing on one factor, he considers the overall situation before committing to a new challenge.
The manager’s role appears to be especially important to him. A coach who believes in a player’s abilities and provides the right environment can influence a player’s decision to join a particular club.
Partey’s move to Al-Shabab also gives him an opportunity to work under a new coaching setup and compete in the Saudi Pro League.
The Ghana international will now look to settle into his new surroundings and contribute to Al-Shabab during the upcoming season.
His approach to transfers offers an insight into the considerations professional footballers make when deciding on the next stage of their careers. Beyond the name of the club, players may also consider the manager, their expected role, the challenge ahead and whether the environment is suitable for them.
For Partey, those considerations have now led him to Saudi Arabia, where he will begin a new chapter with Al-Shabab.
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What does Partey consider before joining a new club?#3Sports pic.twitter.com/t75a4XEq5B
— #3Sports (@3SportsGh) August 21, 2026
