‘Soon’ – Fabrizio Romano teases Newcastle United ‘here we go’ as player green lights £34m move
Newcastle United Edge Closer to Landing AC Milan Defender Malick Thiaw
Newcastle United are reportedly on the brink of securing the signature of AC Milan centre-back Malick Thiaw, with negotiations said to be entering their final stages. The 24-year-old German international has been a long-term target for Eddie Howe’s side, and after months of speculation, the Magpies appear to be making decisive progress.
Newcastle’s interest in Thiaw dates back to last summer, when club scouts identified him as a potential key addition to strengthen their backline. At the time, however, the Tyneside outfit shifted focus towards Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi, embarking on a protracted pursuit that ultimately came to nothing. Despite their efforts, Guehi remained at Selhurst Park, and a year later, Newcastle’s search for a defensive reinforcement continues.
This summer, Guehi is again available for transfer, with Palace valuing him at around £40 million. However, the England international is understood to favour a move to Premier League champions Liverpool, making it unlikely that Newcastle will secure his services. As a result, Howe and the recruitment team have redirected their attention to Thiaw, ramping up talks in recent days.
According to reports, Newcastle had an initial £26 million bid for Thiaw turned down earlier this week. AC Milan’s stance on the player has shifted since last month, when they accepted a £21 million offer from Serie A rivals Como 1907 — a move that ultimately fell through after the player refused to agree to personal terms. Following that, Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri expressed his desire to keep Thiaw, effectively raising his price tag.
Renowned transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has now revealed that Newcastle have returned with an improved £34 million bid — roughly €40 million — for the defender, which has brought negotiations close to completion. Thiaw is believed to have already agreed to join Newcastle, leaving only the final details between the two clubs to be resolved.
Romano wrote on X (formerly Twitter):
“Negotiations advancing fast for Malick Thiaw to Newcastle after new bid close to €40m package, as revealed. AC Milan and #NUFC at final stages of talks after the improved proposal and green light from Malick. ‘Here we go’ could follow soon if all goes to plan.”
Howe’s Take on Transfers
Speaking after Newcastle’s 2-2 draw against Espanyol on Friday, Eddie Howe addressed the ongoing transfer activity. While he remained cautiously optimistic, the Magpies boss stressed the complexities involved in securing the right players.
> “I am hopeful, but I’ve been hopeful for a number of weeks,” Howe said. “Everybody behind the scenes has been working incredibly hard. We’re very keen to get some movement in the transfer market, but it has to be the right player at the right price. There are many conditions that have to align for a deal to happen.”
Howe acknowledged that while the current squad is strong, there are imbalances that need addressing. He reassured supporters that the club is working tirelessly to ensure that both quality and harmony remain intact.
> “The balance of the squad isn’t quite right, and we hope to adjust that with signings in the coming weeks. The supporters have been fantastic, and part of our success has been having that united feeling throughout the club. Our job is to make sure that continues into the new season.”
If all goes as expected, Malick Thiaw could become Newcastle United’s latest addition before the new campaign kicks off, giving Howe the defensive reinforcement he has been seeking for over a year.