4 godzin temu
Newcastle United have completed the signing of AC Milan defender Malick Thiaw for £34.6 million including add-ons. The 24-year-old Germany international becomes the Magpies' third major signing of the summer following Anthony Elanga's arrival from Nottingham Forest and goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale's loan from Southampton.
Thiaw brings valuable Champions League, Bundesliga and Serie A experience to Eddie Howe's squad. The defender made 31 appearances for Milan last season, scoring his only goal against Real Madrid in the Champions League in November.
"I'm really excited to join this massive club. I can't wait to start training and to get to know my new team-mates and all the staff," said Thiaw. "The gaffer showed me his vision and what he wants to do with me as a player and the club itself, which is really exciting. I think Newcastle speaks for itself. It's a great club, a big club with passionate fans who I can't wait to see at St James' Park."
Manager's long-term vision
Manager Eddie Howe expressed his satisfaction with securing the defender's signature after an extended pursuit. Bringing in a new centre-back was a priority for Newcastle this summer as Howe looks to increase competition and lower the average age of an experienced squad.
"We're really pleased to have Malick on board. He's a player I've admired for a long time and somebody who will add real quality to our defensive options," Howe said. "Malick is still young but brings valuable experience of Champions League football, as well as playing in the Bundesliga and Serie A, which is a major positive for us as we return to Europe this season."
According to Chronicle Live, Newcastle pursued Thiaw for 12 months, demonstrating the club's strategic long-term planning. The defender rejected a £23 million offer from Como earlier this summer, showing his determination to secure a move to a higher-level club.
Transfer window challenges
Getting deals over the line has been a tall order for Newcastle this summer. The Magpies missed out on several targets across all positions, including Benjamin Sesko, Hugo Ekitike, Joao Pedro and James Trafford.
Thiaw, who has three caps for Germany, joined AC Milan from Schalke in 2022. Newcastle open their Premier League campaign at Aston Villa on Saturday, where the new signing could make his debut.
Sources used: "PA Media", "BBC", "Chronicle Live" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
