Newcastle United have secured the signing of German defender Malick Thiaw from AC Milan in a deal worth a reported £34.6 million, including add-ons.
The 24-year-old becomes the Magpies’ third arrival of the summer, following winger Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest and goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, who joined on loan from Southampton.
Thiaw expressed excitement about the move, saying: “I’m really excited to join this massive club. I can’t wait to start training, meet my new team-mates and the staff.
“The gaffer showed me his vision for me and the club, which is really exciting. Newcastle speaks for itself — a big club with passionate fans I can’t wait to see at St James’ Park.”
Manager Eddie Howe had made signing a new centre-back a priority to strengthen competition and lower the average age of the squad.
However, the club faced a challenging transfer window, missing out on several targets, including Benjamin Sesko, Hugo Ekitike, Joao Pedro, and James Trafford.
Speculation also continues over striker Alexander Isak’s future, with the Swede pushing for a move to Liverpool.
Howe welcomed Thiaw’s arrival, saying: “He’s a player I’ve admired for a long time and will add real quality to our defence.
Despite his age, he has valuable experience in the Champions League, Bundesliga, and Serie A, which will be a big plus as we return to Europe this season.”
Thiaw, capped three times by Germany, joined AC Milan from Schalke in 2022. Last season, he made 31 appearances for the Serie A side, scoring his only goal against Real Madrid in the Champions League.
Newcastle kick off their Premier League campaign away to Aston Villa on Saturday.
