Newcastle United have finally secured a major defensive reinforcement, agreeing a €40 million package deal to sign Malick Thiaw from AC Milan. The 24-year-old German international will undergo his medical in Tyneside this week and sign a five-year contract, becoming the Magpies’ third senior signing of the summer.
This transfer marks a breakthrough for Newcastle after a frustrating window dominated by missed targets and financial constraints.
🛬 Malick Thiaw: A Long-Awaited Arrival
- Thiaw, a product of Schalke 04’s academy, made 85 appearances for AC Milan and helped the club reach the Champions League semi-finals in 2023.
- He reunites with former teammate Sandro Tonali, offering familiarity and chemistry in Newcastle’s midfield-defensive axis.
- The deal includes €30M guaranteed and €10M in add-ons, reflecting Newcastle’s urgency to bolster their backline.
Thiaw expressed his excitement:
“These three years at AC Milan have been a pleasure. I grew a lot as a footballer and as a person. I’m happy with this choice and ready for the Premier League.”
🧱 Defensive Depth Restored
Thiaw joins a defensive unit that includes Sven Botman, Fabian Schär, Dan Burn, and Jamaal Lascelles. His arrival adds youth, pace, and aerial dominance to a backline that struggled with injuries and inconsistency last season.
At 6ft 4in, Thiaw offers a physical presence and tactical versatility, capable of playing in both a back four and back three.
😓 Transfer Frustrations: Missed Targets and PSR Limitations
Newcastle’s summer has been riddled with setbacks:
❌ Missed Signings
- Hugo Ekitike → Liverpool
- João Pedro → Chelsea
- Benjamin Sesko → Manchester United
- James Trafford → Manchester City
- Liam Delap → Chelsea
Even Alexander Isak, Newcastle’s star striker, is pushing for a move to Liverpool, leaving the club scrambling for replacements.
💸 PSR Restrictions
Manager Eddie Howe has openly blamed the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) for the club’s inability to compete financially:
“We’re controlled by PSR. That’s still limiting what we can do. We’re not the highest payers in the league, and that’s reflected in the choices players make.”
Despite being backed by the Saudi Public Investment Fund, Newcastle’s wage structure and revenue streams lag behind the traditional top six, making it difficult to attract elite talent.
What’s Next for Newcastle?
With Thiaw signed, Newcastle are now targeting a forward. Yoane Wissa (Brentford) and Samu Aghehowa (Porto) are on the radar, but competition from Al-Nassr and other European clubs could complicate negotiations.
Newcastle kick off their Premier League campaign against Aston Villa on August 16, and fans will be hoping Thiaw’s arrival signals a turning point in a turbulent summer.
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