Fabrizio Romano reveals Newcastle United make ‘approach’ for star after £21m transfer collapse

Newcastle United to Reignite Interest in AC Milan Defender Malick Thiaw

 

Newcastle United are set to revive their pursuit of highly-rated German centre-back Malick Thiaw, with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reporting that the Magpies will soon approach AC Milan to open discussions over a potential deal.

 

Thiaw, 23, has been on Newcastle’s radar for over a year. The club initially showed interest in the defender during the summer 2024 transfer window, although their main focus at the time was securing Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi. With Guehi seen as the priority target, Thiaw was considered a more affordable fallback option. In the end, however, neither move materialized, and Newcastle continued the 2024/25 season without either player in their ranks.

 

Fast-forward to the current transfer window, and Newcastle’s defensive needs remain unresolved. The club is once again scouring the market for reinforcements at the back, and Thiaw’s name has re-emerged as a potential solution. Manager Eddie Howe previously acknowledged awareness of Thiaw when asked about the club’s links to the player last year, 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. He’s a very good player, but that’s it.”

 

 

 

Now, it appears the Magpies are ready to move beyond mere interest. According to Romano, Newcastle are preparing to formally contact AC Milan to explore the possibility of securing Thiaw’s signature. The Italian club consider Thiaw an important figure in their current squad, especially after a proposed transfer to Como fell apart in July.

 

> “Understand Newcastle are set to approach AC Milan for Malick Thiaw. Talks will follow as Thiaw is already an important player for Max Allegri after Como deal off in July. #NUFC will try to open discussions over price soon,” Romano wrote on X.

 

 

 

The failed transfer to Como could work in Newcastle’s favour. Thiaw was reportedly on the verge of joining the newly-promoted Serie A side, now managed by football icon Cesc Fabregas, in a deal worth €25 million (approximately £21 million). Despite Milan and Como agreeing on the fee, the player himself declined the move. Reports at the time indicated that Thiaw was unwilling to join a club without European competition and was instead holding out for an opportunity at a Champions League-level team.

 

This stance aligns perfectly with Newcastle United’s current profile. While Milan and Como are not participating in any European competition this season, the Magpies will return to the UEFA Champions League, a fact that may prove decisive in attracting Thiaw. Speaking on Romano’s YouTube channel, Italian journalist Matteo Moretto explained the current state of play:

 

> “Malick Thiaw continues to be a target for Newcastle. Milan and Como had reached an agreement for €25 million in recent weeks, but the German did not accept the transfer because his priority was and is to stay at Milan. If he really has to leave, the player has always said he wants to go to a club that plays in the Champions League.”

 

 

 

Newcastle are reportedly still assessing their options in the transfer market, especially after being frustrated in their pursuit of Atalanta defender Giorgio Scalvini. Atalanta’s reluctance to sell has caused that deal to stall, pushing the Magpies to explore alternative targets – and Thiaw, a player they have previously evaluated, is now back under serious consideration.

 

Although no formal bid has yet been submitted, Newcastle are expected to begin negotiations soon, seeking clarity on Milan’s asking price and the defender’s personal terms. Thiaw, who impressed during Milan’s 2023/24 European campaign and has earned full international caps for Germany, would bring both youth and experience to a backline that Eddie Howe is eager to strengthen.

 

With weeks still remaining in the transfer window, and Newcastle determined to add defensive reinforcements ahead of their Champions League campaign, the Malick Thiaw saga could be one to watch closely as it gathers pace.