ARSENAL MIDFIELDER THOMAS PARTEY IS SET TO SWITCH HIS NAME TO YAKUBU. SEE WHY?

Thomas Partey, an Arsenal midfielder, will henceforth be known as Yakubu. Does this imply that he'll be altering his clothing as well?

Thomas Partey, an Arsenal midfielder, is poised to change his name to Yakubu - and no, it's not as part of an ambitious plot to sign a striker.

Ghanian, who joined the Gunners in 2020, has declared that he would change his name and faith, with "Yakubu" being his new chosen identity. It will no likely bring back memories of former Portsmouth, Middlesbrough, Everton, and Blackburn striker Aiyegbeni for Premier League fans.

Thankfully, there will be no shirt alteration, as "Thomas" will continue to be Partey's prefered name above the No.5 he wears for the north Londoners. So there's no need to replace your Arsenal shirt for a Rovers one just yet...

Why is Thomas Partey now referred to as Yakubu?

The Ghanaian singer recently married Moroccan Sara Bella and converted to Islam as a consequence. Partey, who was raised as a Christian, is formally changing his name as part of his conversion.

"I have a female I adore," the 28-year-old quipped in an Instagram video. "I know my side ladies will leave me, but it's no issue" (opens in new tab). "After all, I grew up among Muslims, so it's the same thing. My Muslim name is Yakubu, and I'm already married."

Some followers have already begun to refer to Partey by his new moniker, commenting "Yakubu" on recent Instagram images (opens in new tab).

In his hometown, the midfielder was recently awarded the title of "Mahefalor." The title translates to "Defender of Krobo Traditional Area," and the Black Stars vice-captain was honoured in a ceremony officiated by Nene Sakite II, the chief of Krobo Traditional Area.

Partey was injured for the latter months of the 2021/22 season, and Arsenal struggled in the league without him, finishing sixth in the table.

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