Newcastle shop new defender in Italy

Thirteen years ago, Milan sold one of the best central defenders of the 21st century, Thiago Silva, for 42,000,000 euros. The Brazilian was at the peak of his powers at the time—what you’d call “in his prime.” At 27 years old, he was a force of nature at centre-back, which is why Paris Saint-Germain didn’t hesitate to spend. Did he become a living legend there? You could say so—at a giant club from France’s capital, that wasn’t too hard then, nor is it now. But as a true football legend overall, he certainly is, something he proved again this July with stellar performances at the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States. As the fifth most expensive outgoing transfer in Milan’s history, one of the greatest defenders of this century left one of the most storied clubs in history. And for seven million less—what can you get from Milan today?

The answer to that question: Malick Thiaw. No barbs here toward the German international with a Finnish passport. The 24-year-old centre-back, an excellent player, will play in the Premier League next season. This summer, the Rossoneri pulled off three top-level sales. Malick Thiaw left for 35,000,000, Theo Hernandez was sold to Al Hilal for 25,000,000, and Tijjani Reijnders became the third most expensive signing in Manchester City’s history at 55 million euros. If the agreed bonuses come through—between 5,000,000 and 8,000,000 for the players sold—hands will be rubbing at San Siro until the air is charged with static. Ahead of the German defender, who joined Newcastle, in Milan’s all-time outgoing list—alongside Reijnders and Thiago Silva—are Andriy Shevchenko, sold for 43,880,000; Sandro Tonali, who went to Newcastle for 58,900,000; and of course Ricardo Kaka, whose transfer to Real Madrid brought Milan 67,000,000.

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Thiaw caught Eddie Howe’s eye in 2023, when Newcastle played with AC Milan in the Champions League. But in 2024 the Magpies tried to sign their number 1 defensive target – Marc Guehi. Crystal Palace refused 65 milion pounds offer and Newcastle waited too long and stayed without a new defender. This time around, the Magpies didn’t even tried to sign Guehi, even thou he is one year from the end of his contract and went to Thiaw immediately. The Eagles will now have to sell him for only 35 million as Liverpool is the only candidate to buy him.

“I’m very excited to join this great club. I can’t wait to start training and meet my new teammates and the whole coaching staff. The manager showed me his vision and what he wants to do with me as a player and with the club, which is really exciting. I think Newcastle speaks for itself—it’s a great club, a big club with passionate fans I can’t wait to see at St. James’ Park” says Thiaw after signing.

You are not going anywhere

Eddie Howe knew exactly who he was bringing in and knows he’ll be a major asset:

“We’re very happy to have Malick with us. He’s a player I’ve admired for a long time and someone who will bring real quality to our defensive options. Malick is still young but brings valuable experience from the Champions League as well as from playing in the Bundesliga and Serie A, which is a huge asset for us as we return to Europe this season” said Newcastle’s manager.