Who is Malick Thiaw? Meet the ‘very good’ defender Eddie Howe has finally signed for Newcastle United

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Malick Thiaw is a professional footballer who signed for Newcastle United in August 2025.

Newcastle United endured a difficult transfer window in which very little went their way in the opening stages.

Signing Anthony Elanga and unearthing starlet Park Seung-soo were two early wins, but they feel meagre compared to the avalanche of losses suffered.

After Benjamin Sesko, Newcastle missed out on eight top targets, also including James Trafford, Hugo Ekitike and Bryan Mbeumo.

Though new attackers were the focus, Eddie Howe also wanted a new centre-back in his squad and Malick Thiaw became the top target and was quickly recruited. His arrival represented a turnaround in the transfer window and he was followed by three more major signings.

Here’s what you need to know about Thiaw.

• Every player linked with Newcastle in summer transfer window: Latest news and prices on Eddie Howe’s targets

Malick Thiaw transfer to Newcastle United

Thiaw first emerged as a target for Newcastle in the summer of 2024 when they were keen to add a centre-back to their ranks, but PSR meant they only signed Lloyd Kelly on a free instead.

Though the focus has been in attacking areas this summer, Howe has remained determined to bring in reinforcements in the heart of defence.

Marc Guehi remains a perpetual target, while Giorgio Scalvini has been linked, but now interest in Thiaw has been reignited.

Newcastle have made a £26m bid for Thiaw and have reportedly agreed personal terms, but Milan have rejected the bid as they hope to keep him.

However, Newcastle made an improved offer of £30m, rising to £34.4m, which was enough to sign Thiaw.

What position does Malick Thiaw play?

Thiaw is predominantly a centre-back and has played all his games in Italy in that position. That’s where he will be utilised by Howe.

However, during his time at Schalke, he played games at left-back, right-back and even in defensive midfield, proving his versatility.

Malick Thiaw height

Thiaw stands at a towering 6’4″ tall, which makes him Newcastle’s second-tallest centre-back behind Dan Burn and level with Sven Botman.

Though tall, Thiaw remains a pacey defender who can cope with all sorts of forwards.

How old is Malick Thiaw?

Born in Dusseldorf, Germany, on August 8, 2001, Thiaw will turn 24 years old on Friday.

That’s a good age for Newcastle to be recruiting players, similar to Elanga, as they are already experienced but still have lots of room to grow and improve.

Malick Thiaw salary

According to SalarySport, Thiaw earned just £16,000 a week at the San Siro, which works out at £832,000 a year.

That seems very low for a key player at such a big club but, if true, Newcastle have likely offered him a massive increase in wages without breaking the bank but it’s not yet clear how much he is on at the club.

Malick Thiaw stats

Thiaw’s stats for club and country in his young career so far are as follows:

Malick Thiaw Instagram and X/Twitter account

Thiaw has an official Instagram account with over 350k followers that you can find @malick.laye.

He does not appear to have an X, formerly Twitter, account.

Praise for Malick Thiaw

In a break from tradition, as he doesn’t usually comment on other teams’ players, Howe praised Thiaw last year when Newcastle were being linked with him.

He said when asked about his side’s interest in the player: “There’s no updates on that.

“I’m always reluctant to comment on these things, but he’s a player I know about, of course I do, from our games in the Champions League against Milan and yeah, he’s a very good player, but that’s it.”

Thiaw also earned high praise after his debut for Germany in 2023, impressing manager Hansi Flick and fellow defender Antonio Rudiger.

“If you want to single someone out from the team, it’s Malick Thiaw, who played very solidly and maturely,” Flick said. “He was one of the highlights of tonight’s game.”

Rudiger added: “He surprised me. He started on the right foot and showed great personality. He played a really, really good game.”

He’s already making a strong impression at Newcastle.