Newcastle United have confirmed the signing of Germany international Malick Thiaw from AC Milan in a transfer worth £34.6 million. The 24-year-old central defender arrives on a long-term deal to strengthen Eddie Howe’s backline ahead of the upcoming UEFA Champions League season.
The former Schalke player becomes Newcastle’s fourth summer recruit, following Anthony Elanga, Aaron Ramsdale, and Antonito Cordero. According to Fabrizio Romano, Thiaw has agreed to a four-year contract. The Magpies will pay an initial £31.13 million, with an extra £3.46 million in performance-based add-ons.
Howe’s Ambition Convinced Thiaw to Make the Switch
In his first official interview as a Newcastle player, Thiaw revealed that Eddie Howe’s project was a decisive factor in his move. “I’m really excited to join this massive club,” Thiaw told Newcastle United. “I can’t wait to start training and to get to know my new teammates and all the staff. The gaffer showed me his vision and what he wants to do with me as a player and the club itself, which is really exciting. I think Newcastle speaks for itself. It’s a great club, a big club with passionate fans who I can’t wait to see at St. James’ Park.”
Manager Eddie Howe expressed his delight at securing the defender’s signature. “We’re really pleased to have Malick on board. He’s a player I’ve admired for a long time and somebody who will add real quality to our defensive options. Malick is still young but brings valuable experience of Champions League football, as well as playing in the Bundesliga and Serie A, which is a major positive for us as we return to Europe this season.”
Experienced Defender Adds Depth Ahead of Champions League Challenge
Thiaw played 85 matches for AC Milan across all competitions after joining them in 2022, scoring once. Although primarily a centre-back, he has also filled in at right-back and defensive midfield during his early career at Schalke.
The signing provides Newcastle with more cover in central defence, alongside Sven Botman, Fabian Schar, Dan Burn, and Jamal Lascelles. His presence could prove crucial in the Champions League, where Newcastle face eight league-phase matches. This depth is particularly important given Botman and Lascelles’ recent injury records.
Meanwhile, striker Alexander Isak’s future remains uncertain. The Athletic has reported that the Sweden international does not plan to play for Newcastle again. Liverpool have shown strong interest in the forward following Darwin Nunez’s move to Al-Hilal.
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