Malick Thiaw shares how Eddie Howe convinced him to join Newcastle United

Add as preferred source on Google

Newcastle United have completed the signing of Malick Thiaw from AC Milan for a fee of around £34million.

Eddie Howe has finally got his man, following a breakdown in negotiations during the 2024 summer transfer window.

Malick Thiaw is officially a Newcastle United player following his departure from AC Milan. The defender joins the Magpies on a four-year deal, keeping him on Tyneside until 2029.

It was confirmed that Newcastle had agreed a fee for Thiaw last Saturday, despite the reluctance to sell from Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri. However, the offer was deemed just too good to refuse.

Reports initially suggested that Giorgio Scalvini was Newcastle’s top target at centre-back, but the Magpies have opted for a 24-year-old German international, who is the likely heir to Fabian Schar’s place in the starting XI.

Thiaw reportedly rejected the likes of Manchester United and Bayern Munich for Newcastle, a sign that players do actually want to join after a summer of so much rejection.

With Thiaw officially unveiled by Newcastle, the defender has spoken for the first time since joining.

• Who is Malick Thiaw? Meet the ‘very good’ defender Eddie Howe has brought to Newcastle United

Malick Thiaw’s first words as a Newcastle United player

As part of the club’s official announcement on newcastleunited.com, Thiaw has spoken for the first time, and shared what Howe told him which helped him make his mind up.

“I’m really excited to join this massive club, he said.

“I can’t wait to start training and to get to know my new teammates and all the staff.

“The gaffer showed me his vision and what he wants to do with me as a player and the club itself, which is really exciting.

“I think Newcastle speaks for itself. It’s a great club, a big club with passionate fans who I can’t wait to see at St. James’ Park.”

When Malick Thiaw could make his Newcastle United debut

There is no doubt Howe would have preferred to have Thiaw in his squad during pre-season, but he must make do with the player joining just before the 2025/26 campaign.

Thiaw comes to Newcastle with experience of winning silverware, having helped Milan win the Supercoppa Italia last term.

Fans now eagerly await the first time they get to see Thiaw in the black and white stripes, and thankfully, they will not have to wait very long.

Thiaw could be involved in Newcastle’s first Premier League game of the season, as they travel to the Midlands to play Aston Villa at Villa Park. The Magpies lost 4-1 to the Villains in their last visit to the ground, so there will be hope they can avenge their previous result.