Milan sell centre-back to Newcastle for 45 million euros

Newcastle United have completed the signing of German international defender Malick Thiaw from AC Milan in a transfer worth around 45 million euros, adding a player widely regarded as one of Europe’s most promising centre-backs to their squad ahead of the new season.

The 24-year-old has signed a long-term contract at St James’ Park and becomes the club’s third reinforcement of the summer, following the arrivals of Aaron Ramsdale from Arsenal and Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest. His move is seen as a significant statement of intent from Newcastle, who continue to invest in building a side capable of challenging for honours in both domestic and European competitions.

Thiaw’s career has been on a steady upward trajectory since his early days in Germany. Born in Düsseldorf to a German mother and a Senegalese father, he developed through several youth academies, including Fortuna Düsseldorf, Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Mönchengladbach, before finding a long-term home at Schalke 04. It was at Schalke that he completed his development into a professional footballer, breaking into the senior team during the 2019/20 season. Despite the club’s struggles in the Bundesliga, Thiaw’s individual performances caught the eye; he was calm in possession, strong in the air, and displayed a natural ability to read the game, attributes that soon attracted the interest of clubs outside Germany.

In 2022, AC Milan moved to secure his services for a fee reported to be less than 10 million euros, a figure that would soon look like a bargain. The transition to Serie A and one of Italy’s most storied clubs could have been daunting, but Thiaw adapted quickly to the demands of Italian football. He became a useful option in Stefano Pioli’s squad, gradually working his way into the starting lineup and gaining valuable experience at both domestic and European level. His time at Milan included appearances in the Champions League, where he had the opportunity to test himself against some of the best forwards in the game, and he played a role in maintaining Milan’s reputation as one of the continent’s toughest defensive sides.

The 2024/25 season saw Thiaw further establish himself, making 22 appearances in Serie A and five in the Champions League, even managing to score in Europe’s top competition. Over his three seasons in Italy, he played a total of 85 official matches for the Rossoneri across all competitions, building a reputation as a reliable, intelligent, and physically imposing defender. Milan’s willingness to part with him this summer was less about any dissatisfaction with his performances and more about the realities of modern football economics. The opportunity to make a substantial profit on a player they had developed, combined with the lure of a significant transfer fee from the Premier League, made the deal attractive to the Italian club.

For Newcastle, the signing represents both an immediate boost to their defensive options and an investment in the future. Eddie Howe has been keen to add depth and quality to his back line, especially with the increased demands of competing on multiple fronts. Injuries in the previous campaign exposed the lack of depth in certain positions, and Thiaw’s arrival helps address that issue. His versatility is another asset: while primarily a central defender, he is comfortable operating on either side of a central pairing and can fit into both a traditional back four or a back three, giving Howe tactical flexibility.

Reports suggest that Newcastle had been tracking Thiaw for some time, with scouts regularly attending Milan matches to monitor his progress. The club’s recruitment strategy in recent windows has focused on signing players who are young, internationally experienced, and capable of adapting to the high intensity of the Premier League. Thiaw ticks all of those boxes. At 24, he has already played in two of Europe’s top five leagues, has Champions League experience, and has represented Germany at senior level. His three international caps hint at the potential for a longer career in the national team, especially with Germany preparing for future tournaments.

The size of the transfer fee reflects the competitive nature of the market for top defensive talent. With several clubs across Europe looking to strengthen their defences, Newcastle had to move decisively to secure Thiaw’s signature. The deal once again illustrates the financial muscle of Premier League clubs, who can often outbid rivals from Serie A, La Liga, and the Bundesliga for emerging talent. It also shows Newcastle’s willingness to back their manager in key areas of the squad, as they seek to consolidate their place among England’s elite.

Reactions to the signing have been largely positive among Newcastle supporters, who see Thiaw as a player with the right blend of youth, experience, and potential. His arrival will increase competition for places in the heart of defence, with Sven Botman, Fabian Schär, and Jamaal Lascelles all battling for starting roles. Howe is expected to rotate his options depending on the opposition and competition, but Thiaw’s profile suggests he could quickly become a regular starter if he adapts well to English football. His composure under pressure and ability to play accurate passes out from the back suit Newcastle’s style, which relies on building attacks quickly while maintaining defensive solidity.

For Milan fans, the transfer is bittersweet. While they understand the financial logic behind the sale, many appreciated Thiaw’s development and contributions to the team over the past three seasons. His departure leaves a gap in Pioli’s defensive options, and replacing a player of his profile will be a challenge, especially in a market where quality centre-backs are in short supply.

As Thiaw prepares to begin this new chapter in his career, the move to the Premier League will present fresh challenges. The pace and physicality of English football are different from Serie A, and adaptation will be key. However, given his background, versatility, and experience against high-level opposition, Newcastle are confident he will make the transition smoothly. The club’s fans will get their first look at him in black and white when the season kicks off, and there will be high expectations for him to make an immediate impact.

This signing is more than just another addition to the squad; it is a signal of Newcastle’s growing ambition. With each transfer window, they are building a squad that blends proven Premier League performers with young talents from across Europe. Malick Thiaw’s arrival is a continuation of that strategy, and if he fulfils his potential, the 45 million euros invested in him could prove to be one of the smartest pieces of business Newcastle have done in recent years.