Thomas Partey reveals factors he considers before joining a new club

Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey says his decision to join a new club goes beyond transfer speculation, with personal happiness, career ambitions and family considerations playing a major role.

Speaking in an interview with 3Sports, Partey explained that footballers must carefully assess their circumstances before deciding whether to remain at a club or pursue a move elsewhere.

According to the experienced midfielder, the first consideration is finding an environment where he feels comfortable and valued.

“I think the first thing is, where are you happy? Where do you feel at home?” he said.

Partey said players must also consider their next career objective and what they hope to achieve at their new club.

“What is your next objective? What do you want to achieve next? So you still have to look at all this,” he continued.

He acknowledged that playing opportunities and financial considerations are important parts of the decision-making process but stressed that footballers also have responsibilities away from the pitch.

“At the end of the day, we all have a family that will say, ‘Oh, you need money,’ you know, because this is our mindset,” he added.

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The former Arsenal and Atlético Madrid midfielder noted that as players grow older, their priorities can change, with family welfare becoming increasingly important when considering a transfer.

“We are not getting younger. We are still working, so there are a lot of things you have to look at,” he stated.

Partey said a player must consider where he is in his career, the wellbeing of his family and whether a potential destination provides a stable environment.

“Where are you now with the family? Where do you want your family to be happy? Where do you feel like, ‘Oh, when you go out, nobody is going to destroy your family’? So these are the things you have to look at.”

He contrasted this with the approach of younger players, who may be more willing to move clubs without considering the wider implications.

“Before, when you are young, you just go anywhere,” he added.

What does Partey consider before joining a new club?#3Sports pic.twitter.com/t75a4XEq5B

— #3Sports (@3SportsGh) August 21, 2026