JUST IN: Malick Thiaw reveals what his first exposure to Newcastle United was, it’s brilliant
Malick Thiaw Completes Newcastle United Move from AC Milan
Newcastle United have officially confirmed the signing of central defender Malick Thiaw from AC Milan, with the German international penning a four-year deal at St James’ Park. The 24-year-old arrives as the club’s latest major addition ahead of what promises to be a thrilling and demanding 2025/26 season, which will see the Magpies back in the UEFA Champions League.
The signing ends a long-running pursuit, with Newcastle first showing interest in Thiaw over two years ago and even launching an unsuccessful bid in 2024. Eddie Howe remained determined to land his man, and this summer, both the player and the club were finally able to make the move happen.
Speaking in his first official interview with newcastleunited.com, Thiaw revealed that detailed talks with Howe played a major role in convincing him to choose Tyneside. “I could see there was a clear plan for me here,” he explained, expressing excitement about contributing to Newcastle’s ambitions.
Following Jamal Lewis’ departure earlier this summer, Thiaw will wear the No. 12 shirt. He is expected to be part of the matchday squad for Newcastle’s Premier League opener against Aston Villa this Saturday, though it remains to be seen whether Howe will hand him a starting role or ease him in from the bench.
—
A First Connection Through a Football Film Classic
Interestingly, Thiaw’s earliest connection to Newcastle came not through personal visits or televised matches, but via the cult football film Goal! — the 2005 hit telling the fictional story of Santiago Muñez, a gifted young player who rises to stardom at St James’ Park.
“Everybody knows Newcastle,” Thiaw said with a smile. “But the first contact I had with the club was when I was really young, watching Goal! — I must have been eight or nine. I’ve watched it many times, even when I was 15 or 16. That’s when Newcastle first came onto my radar.”
He also spoke about the positive clips and information he has been sent about life in Newcastle, saying he is eager to experience the city for himself.
With his arrival, Thiaw becomes the fifth German player to represent Newcastle in the club’s history — giving him the chance to etch his name among the club’s most successful imports from the country.
—
A Defender with European Pedigree
Thiaw’s résumé already includes Champions League experience with AC Milan and international appearances for Germany. His move to Newcastle comes at a time when Howe needed to refresh his central defensive options, particularly with Fabian Schär now in the final year of his contract.
Though his initial deal is for four years, there is every possibility of an extension if his adaptation to the Premier League goes as hoped.
The centre-back departs Milan after making 63 appearances across three seasons, joining the Rossoneri as a promising youngster and leaving as an established defender. Milan posted a farewell tribute on social media, stating: “The pleasure was ours. Thank you, Malick, and best of luck!”
—
The Price Tag and Expectations
Newcastle are believed to have paid £34 million for Thiaw — a figure that appears reasonable given his age, experience, and proven quality. Only last month, Como were reportedly in talks to sign him for £21 million, but Newcastle’s need for a high-level defender in time for European competition saw them meet Milan’s valuation.
Fresh from winning silverware in Italy, Thiaw arrives at St James’ Park ready for the physical and tactical demands of English football. With the Champions League back on Tyneside for the first time in two decades, Howe and the Newcastle supporters will be hoping he can play a key role in keeping the Magpies competitive both domestically and in Europe.
The long wait to bring Malick Thiaw to Newcastle is finally over — and now, the real work begins.