Newcastle United have secured the signing of AC Milan defender Malick Thiaw in a deal reportedly worth £34.6 million, including add-ons. The Germany international becomes the Magpies’ third signing of a challenging summer, following the arrivals of winger Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest and goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale on loan from Southampton.
Thiaw, 24, expressed his excitement about joining Newcastle and adapting to life at St James’ Park.
“I’m really excited to join this massive club. I can’t wait to get to know my new team-mates. The gaffer showed me what he wants to do with me as a player and with the club itself, which is really exciting. It’s a great club with passionate fans, who I can’t wait to see at St James’ Park,” he said.
Manager Eddie Howe highlighted the importance of strengthening the centre-back position to increase competition and lower the squad’s average age.
“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,” Howe said.
Newcastle’s recruitment drive this summer has been challenging, with the club missing out on targets across several positions, including Benjamin Sesko, Hugo Ekitike, Joao Pedro, and James Trafford. Meanwhile, speculation continues over striker Alexander Isak’s future, with the forward reportedly keen on a move to Liverpool.
Thiaw, who has three caps for Germany, joined AC Milan from Schalke in 2022. Last season, he made 31 appearances in all competitions, scoring his sole goal against Real Madrid in the Champions League in November.
Newcastle will begin their Premier League campaign against Aston Villa on Saturday, hoping Thiaw can make an immediate impact on the defensive line.
