Newcastle finally secure signing! AC Milan star 'happy with this choice' as defender jets out for medical with Magpies

Celtic v Newcastle United - Pre-Season Friendly

Newcastle United are on the verge of securing the signature of AC Milan defender Malick Thiaw, with the towering centre-back expected to undergo his medical on Monday before penning a deal that will take him to Tyneside. The Magpies have agreed an initial payment of €35million (£30.3m / $40.8m), with a further €5m (£4.3m / $5.8m) in potential performance-related bonuses close to being finalised.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Eddie Howe has had Thiaw in his sights for some time. Newcastle first registered interest in the German international back in the summer of 2024. The connection strengthened when Thiaw lined up against the Magpies in the 2023/24 Champions League group stage opener at the San Siro, helping Milan secure a clean sheet in a goalless draw.

thiaw milan newcastle calciomercato

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Thiaw becomes Newcastle’s latest major signing of the summer following the arrival of Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest and goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, who joined on a season-long loan from Southampton. However, the transfer window hasn’t been all smooth sailing for the Magpies. Several high-profile targets slipped through their grasp, including Hugo Ekitike (Liverpool), Bryan Mbeumo (Manchester United), Liam Delap and Joao Pedro (both Chelsea), Dean Huijsen (Real Madrid), and James Trafford (Manchester City).

WHAT THIAW SAID

Thiaw, 24, boarded a flight to England on Sunday evening, but not before speaking to Sky Sports Italy. In a heartfelt goodbye, he said, “I want to thank everyone at AC Milan, I’ve learned so much here. Newcastle? I’m happy with this choice, I’m ready for the Premier League.”

DID YOU KNOW?

Thiaw leaves behind a record of 85 appearances for the Rossoneri, 31 of which came last season. He also played a key role in their Supercoppa Italiana triumph, even if the domestic campaign ended in disappointment, finishing eighth in Serie A and suffering a Coppa Italia final defeat to Bologna.

Newcastle United FC v Everton FC - Premier League

WHAT NEXT?

The last formalities are now in motion. Should the medical pass without issue, Newcastle will unveil Thiaw as their latest defensive recruit, sealing a move that has been brewing for quite some time. It remains to be seen if he is involved in the Magpies' Premier League opener against Aston Villa on August 16.