Newcastle Finalise €40M Thiaw Deal to Strengthen Defence

Newcastle United have secured the signing of AC Milan defender Malick Thiaw in a deal worth €40 million (£34.5m), including add-ons, marking a significant breakthrough in their challenging summer transfer window, the 24-year-old German international, who has been a long-term target for Eddie Howe, has already agreed to personal terms and is expected to undergo a medical imminently before signing a long-term contract, Thiaw’s arrival addresses Newcastle’s need for a young, athletic center-back, particularly with veterans Fabian Schär and Jamaal Lascelles entering the latter stages of their careers, The deal has a 10% sell-on clause for Schalke, Thiaw’s former club, as part of Milan’s initial agreement when signing him in 2022.

With Thiaw’s departure, AC Milan are already eyeing replacements, including Pietro Comuzzo (Fiorentina) and Giovanni Leoni (Parma), as they look to reinvest the fee, for Newcastle, the signing is a much-needed boost after missing out on several targets, including Benjamin Sesko (Manchester United) and Joao Pedro (Chelsea), Thiaw’s ability to play out from the back and his physical presence (6’4”) make him an ideal fit for Howe’s system, which relies on defensive stability to complement their attacking threats like Anthony Gordon and Anthony Elanga, The Magpies hope to integrate him quickly, with the Premier League season just days away, starting with a clash against Aston Villa.
Sources: Fabrizio Romano, The Athletic, SempreMilan.