New Newcastle sign Malick Thiaw from AC Milan

Newcastle United have completed the signing of AC Milan defender Malick Thiaw for £30m plus £4.3m in add-ons on a long-term deal.

Newcastle sign Malick Thiaw from AC Milan for £30m

Newcastle United have completed the signing of AC Milan defender Malick Thiaw for £30m plus £4.3m in add-ons. The 24-year-old centre back has signed a long-term contract and will wear the number 12 shirt. Thiaw joined Milan from Schalke in 2022 and has made 85 appearances for the Italian club, helping them to win the Italian Super Cup in 2023. He has also featured for Germany at youth level, including the U21 European Championship win in 2021.

Thiaw faced Newcastle in a 0-0 Champions League draw at the San Siro in September 2023. Newtons boss Eddie Howe has said he has admired Thiaw for a long time and that the defender will bring real quality to the back line as the club returns to Europe this season.

The move signals Newcastle’s willingness to invest in a strong spine this summer. Thiaw’s blend of Champions League exposure, Bundesliga grounding and Serie A experience could help stabilise a defence that needed upgrade after last season’s stumbles. At £30m plus add-ons, the fee underlines the club’s ambition, but it also raises questions about how quickly a player will adapt to the Premier League and to a higher intensity schedule.

Beyond the player alone, the deal fits a wider pattern at Newcastle of courting young, technically capable defenders who can grow with the squad as Europe remains a target. The risk for the club is balance—how many first-team slots are available and how Thiaw, his partners, and the rest of the back line gel together under pressure from rivals? The answer may shape their season as much as any tactical tweak.

Highlights

Newcastle are betting on a sturdier defence as they chase sustained top-flight football.