David Ornstein: Newcastle close to €40m deal for AC Milan defender | OneFootball

Newcastle Closing in on €40m Move for AC Milan’s Malick Thiaw

Newcastle United are on the verge of securing a significant defensive reinforcement, with AC Milan centre-back Malick Thiaw set to join for a reported €40m (£34.6m) package. As reported by David Ornstein of The Athletic, the deal comprises €35m upfront and €5m in add-ons, with Thiaw now awaiting permission to travel and complete the transfer.

Long-standing Interest and Howe’s Admiration

The Magpies’ interest in Thiaw is far from new. Newcastle have monitored him since the summer of 2024, with Eddie Howe openly acknowledging last year: “He’s a player I know about, of course I do, from our games in the Champions League against Milan and he’s a very good player.”

The 24-year-old caught the eye in the 2023/24 Champions League group stage, helping Milan to a clean sheet in a goalless draw at the San Siro against Newcastle. Unfortunately for Howe’s side, he was absent through injury in the return fixture at St James’ Park.

AC Milan Career and International Credentials

Thiaw joined Milan from Schalke in 2022 and has since made 85 appearances, contributing to their 2024 Supercoppa Italiana triumph. Last season saw him feature 31 times, but despite his defensive presence, Milan endured a frustrating campaign, finishing eighth in Serie A and losing the Coppa Italia final to Bologna.

A German international since 2023, Thiaw has earned three caps, further underlining his pedigree. Milan’s decision to part with him comes despite the club possessing an array of central defensive options, including Fikayo Tomori and Strahinja Pavlovic.

Photo: IMAGO

Newcastle’s Transfer Window Context

Thiaw’s impending arrival will be a welcome boost for Howe after missing out on several high-profile targets such as Hugo Ekitike, Bryan Mbeumo, and Dean Huijsen. Newcastle have added Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest and goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale on loan, but the now permanent exit of Lloyd Kelly to Juventus has left a gap in central defence — one Thiaw appears primed to fill.

If completed, this signing not only strengthens Newcastle’s back line but also signals ambition to compete on multiple fronts this season.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Newcastle supporter’s perspective, the potential signing of Malick Thiaw feels like the sort of move that balances both ambition and necessity. The squad has been crying out for another quality central defender, especially with Botman’s recent injury issues. Thiaw offers physicality, composure on the ball, and Champions League experience — all traits that could elevate the defensive unit.

The fact that Eddie Howe has tracked him for over a year suggests this is not a panic buy, but rather the fruition of a well-planned recruitment process. Fans will appreciate that Newcastle are moving decisively after missing out on other targets earlier in the window.

That said, €40m is a sizeable outlay, and supporters will expect him to adapt quickly to the Premier League’s pace and physical demands. Milan’s underwhelming domestic season last year might cause a slight pause for thought, but his performances on the European stage show he can hold his own against elite opposition.

In terms of squad balance, this transfer could free up Fabian Schär for more rotation and allow Sven Botman to have a consistent partner. If Newcastle can pair Thiaw’s arrival with one or two more signings in midfield or attack, confidence around St James’ Park will rise heading into the new campaign.

For now, fans are likely to see this as a positive step in a transfer window that has been frustrating at times, but could yet finish strongly.