Exclusive: Newcastle move closer to Malick Thiaw deal after new AC Milan offer
Newcastle United Table Enhanced Bid for AC Milan Defender Malick Thiaw Amid Growing Optimism Over Deal
Newcastle United have submitted an improved offer exceeding £30 million in their ongoing pursuit of highly-rated AC Milan centre-back Malick Thiaw. The Magpies have intensified their efforts to bring the German international to St James’ Park, with confidence growing that a deal can be reached in the coming days.
The interest in Thiaw is far from new. In fact, Newcastle’s scouting department has tracked the 24-year-old closely over the past two years, keeping tabs on his development since his emergence at Schalke 04. According to NUFCBlog, the club reignited their pursuit of the defender last month, shifting their focus back to him following previous interest that initially cooled last summer.
At that time, Eddie Howe was said to have prioritized a move for Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, which stalled negotiations with Thiaw’s representatives. However, with Guehi now valued beyond Newcastle’s current spending limits and Milan’s stance on Thiaw softening slightly, the club has made a renewed push to secure the defender’s signature.
Earlier reports from Italy and Germany confirmed Newcastle had lodged an opening bid in the region of £26 million. However, that figure fell short of Milan’s valuation. In recent weeks, that asking price has risen further—partly due to new head coach Massimiliano Allegri, who has been impressed by Thiaw’s commanding performances during pre-season. Milan had previously agreed to sell him to Como for £21.5 million before the deal fell through, but the renewed interest and his recent displays have prompted the Italian giants to reassess his worth.
Despite the complications and rising valuation, Newcastle remain optimistic. The Tyneside club has now returned with an enhanced offer believed to be just above £30 million, which they hope will be enough to persuade Milan to sanction the transfer. While no agreement has been reached yet, there is growing belief that both clubs are edging closer to a compromise.
One key advantage Newcastle holds in negotiations is the player’s desire to make the switch to the Premier League. Sources close to the club indicate that Thiaw has already agreed to personal terms, a clear sign of his willingness to join Eddie Howe’s squad. His readiness to move could be a decisive factor, as it puts further pressure on Milan to consider Newcastle’s proposal seriously.
Thiaw is reportedly enticed by the opportunity to play Champions League football once again—a prospect Milan cannot offer after finishing eighth in Serie A last season. In contrast, Newcastle will be competing at Europe’s top table in 2025/26, and the chance to reunite with former teammate Sandro Tonali is said to appeal to the German defender.
Standing at 6ft 4in, Thiaw possesses the physical attributes required to thrive in English football. His strong aerial presence, quick recovery pace, and calmness on the ball mark him out as a potential Premier League star. Newcastle view him as a long-term solution in central defence and an ideal partner for Sven Botman, forming a formidable backline under the guidance of Eddie Howe.
The Newcastle boss has previously acknowledged his admiration for Thiaw, although he has remained guarded when speaking publicly. When asked about the player last July, Howe commented: “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.”
With Newcastle eager to strengthen their backline before the transfer window closes, and Thiaw’s willingness to join clear, the next few days could prove pivotal. If Milan accept the latest offer, the Magpies may finally land one of their long-standing defensive targets and add significant steel to their squad ahead of another demanding season at the highest level.