 On 15 May 2009, Audax Italiano Villanueva signed for Al Shabab, the Emirati club paid Audax about $5 million.Although he publicly stated he wished to have stayed at Blackburn and tried to established himself in one of the worlds top leagues.On 4 February 2013, Al Shabab confirms that Villanueva will play on loan at Universidad Católica until 31 May.