It’s been a fairly chaotic and disappointing transfer window for Newcastle to date. After winning their first trophy in over 50 years and qualifying for the Champions League, a big summer was expected, but so far it has consisted of missing out on several targets, whilst star striker Alexander Isak still trains away from the rest of the squad, with the Swede pushing for a move to Liverpool. However, the Magpies have finally gotten a deal over the line in the form of AC Milan defender Malick Thiaw. Both clubs confirmed the transfer on Tuesday. The deal is expected to be for a package that could reach as much as €40 million. So, who is the German defender? And why are the north-east club so keen to bring him to St James’ Park?

 

 

What can defender Malick Thiaw bring to Newcastle?

 

“We’re really pleased to have Malick on board,” Newcastle manager Eddie Howe said in a club statement. “He’s a player I’ve admired for a long time and somebody who will add real quality to our defensive options. 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.” It’s worth mentioning how much Newcastle need a new centre-half through the door. Sven Botman is the club’s best central defender, but has had numerous injury issues since coming to the Premier League. Every other first-team centre-back Newcastle have available to them is aged 31 or over – Dan Burn (33), Fabian Schär (33), and Jamaal Lascelles (31). The club need some young blood and new energy in the heart of their defence and Thiaw could provide just that. The German came through at Schalke, making 64 appearances for the first-team before being poached by Italian giants AC Milan in 2022. His minutes in Serie A have steadily increased each season as the player has continued to develop.