Malick Thiaw is already looking like one of the best signings of the Eddie Howe era at Newcastle United.
One year after the Marc Guehi saga that ultimately left Newcastle United without the central defender they had been chasing for months, Thiaw arrived at St James’ Park.
Frankly, Thiaw’s early form has helped make the Guehi debacle a distant memory.
The German international has already established himself as a key player and continues to attract praise from Howe, supporters and journalists alike.
Thiaw cost Newcastle an initial £30million from AC Milan, though the deal could eventually rise to £34.3million if all add-ons are met. Even if that does happen, the 24-year-old would still look like a genuine bargain.
After another excellent performance, some more insight on Newcastle’s thoughts on Thiaw emerged.
Newcastle United thought Malick Thiaw would be a bargain from AC Milan
According to BBC Sport, Thiaw had been tracked by Newcastle for a long time.
They suggest that there was a “belief” inside the corridors of power at the club that Thiaw represented an interesting market opportunity.
Newcastle are understood to have thought it would have been difficult to find a defender of such quality at that particular price point.
Thiaw has so far proven a steal in the transfer market. Those who thought he could provide excellent value for money have been proven absolutely right.
What Malick Thiaw thinks about life at Newcastle United
Thiaw loves the Newcastle United supporters for making him a chant so early on in his career at the club.
Last month, the defender said: “It’s great! I don’t know who created it but they did a great job! My friends and family were shocked when they heard it because I’d never had a chant at a club before.
“They appreciate the love the fans have for me.
“Today in the physio room, some of our players were singing it to me – one of them was Dan Burn!”
Newcastle signed Thiaw and Sandro Tonali from a European powerhouse in Milan for well under £100million.
That has proven to be fantastic business and underlines the fact there are still great deals to be found when shopping in European markets.
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