Newcastle Close to Malick Thiaw Signing After Upping Offer to AC Milan

Newcastle United are close to signing Malick Thiaw from AC Milan. They have agreed on personal terms and gave a better offer. Talks are ongoing as Milan’s manager, Massimiliano Allegri, tries to keep the German defender, with reports indicating that Milan is determined to keep Thiaw unless a substantial offer is made.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Newcastle made a better bid for Malick Thiaw after agreeing on personal terms with him. Now they are finalising details with AC Milan. The offer is about €35 million plus €5 million in bonuses. Although Milan coach Allegri wants to keep Thiaw, the improved offer has brought the clubs closer to a deal. As reported, Milan is reportedly demanding around €45 million for Thiaw, indicating the negotiation’s ongoing nature. Reports say this might be Newcastle’s third big signing this summer.

WHY THE TRANSFER MATTERS

Thiaw, who is 6ft 4in, played a big role for Milan last season. He made 32 appearances as they finished 8th in Serie A. He also played in the Champions League. Selling Thiaw would leave a big gap in Milan’s defence; his absence could significantly impact their defensive line. The club is considering young Italian defenders, Giovanni Leoni and Pietro Comuzzo, as possible replacements. Last season, Milan’s defense was noted as a strong point, but losing Thiaw would force a quick shuffle. Newcastle, who finished 5th in the Premier League last season, want to strengthen their defence to get back into European football, following their successful bid for Champions League qualification.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR BOTH CLUBS?

With the Premier League season starting soon, Newcastle’s new signing might debut soon. Their first game is against Aston Villa, who finished 6th last season. It will be a tough start. As for Milan, they face Cremonese in the first Serie A weekend, needing a new defender quickly to ensure they are competitive. Cremonese is back into the Serie A this season, and will want a strong start to start gaining distance to the relegation battle.