Newcastle Push for Malick Thiaw as Milan Set Firm Stance

Newcastle United have made a new effort to sign AC Milan defender Malick Thiaw. However, the Italian club are determined to keep the German centre-back unless they receive a huge offer.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Newcastle have approached both AC Milan and Malick Thiaw’s camp to finalize a deal for the 23-year-old centre-back. Reports say Newcastle submitted a €30 million bid, but Milan quickly rejected it. They are demanding a much higher fee, reportedly around €45 million. AC Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri does not want to lose Malick Thiaw this summer following the defender’s strong performances in pre-season, as confirmed by a recent update. Allegri plans to include the defender as a key part of Milan’s defence for the 2025-26 campaign. Newcastle and Thiaw are believed to have already agreed on personal terms, but Milan’s stance is clear. The German will only leave for a fee well above his market value. If Thiaw does not force a transfer, Milan will keep him for the new season. Bayer Leverkusen are also monitoring the defender, adding more competition for his signature.

THE SITUATION THIS SEASON

For Newcastle, the transfer window has been frustrating. After missing out on striker Benjamin Sesko and seeing several other targets move elsewhere, the Magpies now hope to strengthen a defence that struggled last season. Newcastle finished 5th in the 2024-25 Premier League season, just reaching Champions League qualification, having conceded 47 goals, a key concern for the team. AC Milan are preparing for their first season under coach Massimiliano Allegri after finishing 8th in Serie A, missing European qualification. Thiaw, who made 29 league appearances last season, helped Milan keep 12 clean sheets in the league and is impressing in the pre-season.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR BOTH TEAMS?

Newcastle will push forward in negotiations and will likely need to increase their offer significantly if they want to secure Thiaw. If Milan agree to sell, they will look to sign a replacement quickly. Newcastle’s next match is a Premier League opener against Aston Villa, an important test as Villa finished just below them last season in 6th place. Meanwhile, Milan open their Serie A campaign against Cremonese, which is set to be their first game of the season. If Thiaw stays, he is expected to start for Milan. Both teams will be closely watched in the weeks ahead as the transfer window moves toward its closing stages.