Fabrizio Romano: Newcastle United Set to Approach AC Milan Over Malick Thiaw After Collapse of £21m Transfer
Newcastle United have reignited their interest in strengthening their defensive ranks, with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reporting that the Magpies are preparing to open talks with Italian giants AC Milan for the signing of German international Malick Thiaw.
Romano shared the update via social media, revealing that Newcastle are preparing to formally approach Milan regarding a potential deal for the highly-rated centre-back. This development follows a previously collapsed transfer involving Thiaw earlier this summer, when a £21 million (€25m) move to Serie A newcomers Como fell apart at the final stage.
The 23-year-old has been on Newcastle’s radar for quite some time. The Premier League side had shown interest in him during last year’s summer window as they explored options to bolster their backline. Back then, Thiaw was considered a more affordable alternative to Crystal Palace and England star Marc Guehi, who was also being monitored closely by the Magpies. However, neither move came to fruition.
Despite the lack of progress last summer, Newcastle’s admiration for Thiaw has not diminished. The club’s need for defensive reinforcements remains a pressing concern as manager Eddie Howe looks to build a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts. Injuries and a lack of depth at the back have exposed vulnerabilities over the past season, and the addition of a composed and versatile centre-half like Thiaw could go a long way in addressing those issues.
Last year, when speculation around Thiaw first surfaced, Howe was questioned about the club’s interest in the German defender, particularly after their Champions League encounters with AC Milan. While the manager refused to be drawn into transfer talk, he did acknowledge being aware of the player, stating:
> “There’s no updates on that. I’m always reluctant to comment on these things, but he’s a player I know about — of course I do — from our games in the Champions League against Milan. And yeah, he’s a very good player, but that’s it.”
Now, with Newcastle reportedly set to revive that interest more seriously, talks between the two clubs could commence in the coming days. Romano added that Thiaw is now considered a key figure under new AC Milan manager Paulo Fonseca, which could complicate negotiations, but the Magpies appear undeterred and are keen to test Milan’s resolve.
The earlier transfer collapse involving Como may work in Newcastle’s favour. Although Milan had accepted a €25 million bid from the ambitious Serie A newcomers, Thiaw rejected the move, reportedly due to his desire to play in the Champions League or remain at a more competitive club. Newcastle, having secured European football in recent years, could present an attractive destination that fits Thiaw’s ambitions.
Should Newcastle succeed in initiating formal discussions with AC Milan, they are expected to use the previously agreed €25m figure as a benchmark during negotiations. While the Italian club may demand more, especially considering Thiaw’s growing importance in their squad, Newcastle will hope that their European credentials and Premier League allure can help sway the defender.
As the summer transfer window progresses, Newcastle United’s pursuit of Malick Thiaw will be one to watch closely, particularly as the club seeks to avoid a repeat of last summer’s failed defensive pursuits. With Fabrizio Romano’s latest update confirming that a move is in motion, St James’ Park could soon welcome another international talent — if the two clubs can strike a deal.