Malick Thiaw Set For Newcastle United Move In €40m Deal

Malick Thiaw is about to join Newcastle United from AC Milan. The clubs agreed on a €40 million transfer, and the defender’s medical is set for Monday. Thiaw will be the third major signing for Newcastle this summer, strengthening their defense for the new Premier League season.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Newcastle and AC Milan made a deal on Saturday for the transfer of Malick Thiaw, reportedly worth €40 million including bonuses. Thiaw traveled with the Milan squad to London for a friendly and will return to Milan on Sunday morning. He will then travel to Newcastle, where he will have a medical exam and sign his contract on Monday. The transfer happened quickly after Newcastle made an improved offer that Milan accepted, meeting their asking price and triggering the agreement as per reports.

NEWCASTLE’S DEFENSIVE REVAMP

Thiaw is Newcastle’s latest defensive signing, following two other key moves this summer. The club struggled with injuries and inconsistency last season, finishing fifth in the Premier League, qualifying for the Champions League. They conceded 47 goals, the second most among the league’s top seven sides. Manager Eddie Howe believes Thiaw’s 6’4” height and international experience will strengthen the defense led by Fabian Schar and Sven Botman. Thiaw played in 27 Serie A games last season for Milan, but wasn’t enough to improve their 8th place finish last season according to a previous update.

WHAT NEXT FOR NEWCASTLE AND MILAN?

Thiaw is expected to complete his medical checks in Newcastle on Monday and sign a long-term contract, making him eligible for the Premier League opener next Saturday against Aston Villa. Newcastle aims to move into the top four, as they were only three points behind Chelsea in the final standings last season. Milan needs to find a new center-back, with potential targets including Pietro Comuzzo and Giovanni Leoni, as they prepare for their own Serie A campaign, starting next week against Cremonese according to reports.