“Keep an eye on this” – €25m centre-back open to Newcastle move as Toon weigh up options
Newcastle United Begin to Make Serious Strides in Summer Transfer Market
After a frustrating and largely inactive June, Newcastle United finally appear to be gaining momentum in the summer transfer window, with early July bringing a flurry of developments that suggest the Magpies are now ramping up their efforts to strengthen Eddie Howe’s squad.
The Tyneside club are closing in on a significant double deal worth a combined £85 million, as both Anthony Elanga of Nottingham Forest and Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford move closer to completing switches to St James’ Park. These potential additions represent a statement of intent following a sluggish start to the window, during which Newcastle missed out on a number of targets due to financial constraints and stiff competition.
In addition to bolstering the attack and goalkeeping department, Newcastle are now casting a wide net in search of central defensive reinforcements. Their interest in Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi has reportedly cooled, opening the door for other centre-back targets to come into focus.
According to The Times, one player now high on the club’s wishlist is Atalanta’s highly rated Italian defender Giorgio Scalvini. The 20-year-old has been described as a “top target” by the club, with manager Eddie Howe reportedly a strong admirer of the player’s talent and potential. Scalvini’s tactical intelligence and composure on the ball make him a particularly attractive prospect for Newcastle as they look to build a long-term defensive foundation.
Meanwhile, another familiar name has resurfaced in the form of Malick Thiaw. The AC Milan centre-back, who was previously linked with a move to Newcastle last year, is once again being monitored by the club, as revealed by Italian journalist Matteo Moretto on Fabrizio Romano’s YouTube channel.
Moretto reported that Newcastle are considering reigniting their pursuit of the German international after Thiaw recently turned down a €25 million (£21 million) transfer to newly promoted Serie A side Como. According to the journalist, Thiaw is keen to continue playing European football and is not convinced by a move to Como, despite the Italian club’s persistent efforts to convince him.
“There is genuine interest in Thiaw from the Premier League,” said Moretto. “Newcastle were tracking him last year and are once again in the market for a central defender. While there’s nothing concrete at this moment, they are currently evaluating a potential move.”
Moretto added that Thiaw remains open to returning to the Bundesliga but would also welcome an opportunity to test himself in the Premier League—an encouraging sign for Newcastle should they decide to act on their long-standing interest.
Newcastle fans may recall that the club’s interest in Thiaw dates back to the summer of 2023, when NUFCBlog first reported on the scouting of the then 22-year-old. Although he hasn’t fully lived up to expectations at Milan due to a combination of inconsistency and injuries, Thiaw remains a physically commanding and athletically gifted centre-half. He has already earned three senior caps for Germany and gained valuable Champions League experience, including standout performances against both Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle themselves.
With Milan reportedly open to selling the defender for around £21 million, Newcastle find themselves in a position where a calculated gamble could pay off. Thiaw may not be the finished article, but at 23, his upside and European pedigree make him a tempting option—particularly in light of Newcastle’s defensive struggles last season.
However, as is often the case in the transfer market, there’s also the possibility that Thiaw’s representatives are using Newcastle’s name to generate further interest or leverage a better move for their client following his rejection of Como. Whether this is a serious pursuit or mere posturing remains to be seen, but it’s certainly a situation worth monitoring closely.
As Newcastle look to re-establish themselves as consistent European contenders, securing smart, long-term investments like Thiaw—or top-tier talents like Scalvini—could prove pivotal. With the transfer window heating up, the coming weeks promise to be crucial for the club’s short- and long-term ambitions.