Who Is Malick Thiaw And Why Is He Perfect For Newcastle United?

Malick Thiaw centre-back of AC Milan and Germany during the EA SPORTS FC SUPERCUP 24/25 final match between FC Internazionale and AC Milan at Kingdom Arena on January 6, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

NurPhoto via Getty Images

Signing a new central defender was always a major priority for Newcastle United. Both Dan Burn and Sven Botman remain impressive since joining the Saudi Arabian-backed project at St James’ Park. Fabian Schar remains one of the greatest bargains in the club’s modern history. But the imminent arrival of Germany international Malick Thiaw from AC Milan is a welcome one.

Newcastle agreed to a $47 million ( £35 million) deal for the 24-year-old, who flew to Tyneside for his medical on Monday. Assuming there are no issues, the transfer is expected to be announced in enough time to make his debut in the Premier League opener at Aston Villa on Saturday.

Interest in Thiaw remained high for over a year. Talks were held over a move last summer, but Newcastle was under much tighter financial constraints thanks to Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). Though other targets were also considered – namely Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi – Thiaw has proven a more financially viable option, as the club contemplates its needs in attack amid ongoing speculation surrounding star striker Alexander Isak.

Newcastle has always monitored long-term targets. Joao Pedro and Hugo Ekitike, who were wanted before moving to previous clubs, were subject to bids before choosing to join Chelsea and Liverpool respectively. Perhaps, then, it is curious that Thiaw wasn’t signed earlier in the summer when he rejected a £21m ($28m) move to Como.

Beyond his value, Thiaw is an important addition in terms of style, profile and tactical flexibility. Turning 24 just last week, he is the perfect age to develop under Eddie Howe, with years to improve and plenty of resale value on his head; even if he doesn’t replace Schar immediately, he is a long-term successor. With the Swiss defender, Burn and club captain Jamaal Lascelles all over 30, signing a younger player was critical.

He and Botman could form a partnership for years.

Versatility is a huge part of his game too, able to play centrally, at fullback or in midfield. But it his ability on the ball, able to play a huge part in the build up of attacks, which is a huge reason for his signing. Thiaw was in the 94th percentile for all defenders in Europe’s top five leagues (Premier League, Serie A, La Liga, Bundesliga and Ligue 1) for overall pass completion, 87th percentile for short passes, 93rd percentile for medium and 99th percentile for long.

Given Howe wants Newcastle to dominate possession this season, that is a huge part of his attraction. Pace will also be key; the age of his new team-mates means there is a distinct lack of it at the heart of the defence, and the decision to focus more on keeping the ball has exposed it more over the years.

In 2022-23, when Newcastle first qualified for the Champions League under Howe, the team’s focus was more on intensity and high pressing, which allowed for a higher line without being exposed because the ball would often be recovered quickly. An increased number of games the following season meant playing with such intensity caused a horrific injury crisis, and Howe adapted his approach.

Now Newcastle is more flexible and fluid, but dropping deeper on the pitch and reducing energy leaves its high line more susceptible. Thiaw’s pace will aid recovery when possession is lost.

Malick Thiaw points to lessons learnt for Newcastle United

Thiaw suggests a potential return to an old transfer strategy Newcastle had seemed to leave behind. With Champions League football to offer, the aim was to sign “plug in and play” players; ready and proven in the Premier League. Anthony Elanga is the one they managed to get, as well as goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale on loan from Southampton, but many of the targets they moved for, including Joao Pedro, Bryan Mbeumo and Dean Huijsen, opted for clubs with more history and ability to offer better wages. Newcastle has struggled to compete.

But the defender is exciting, with a high ceiling and good experience in Europe, very much like the players Newcastle has signed in previous years. In its search for a potential Isak replacement, after missing out on a similar profile in Ekitike and Benjamin Sesko, who joined Manchester United, FC Porto’s 21-year-old striker Samu Aghehowa is under consideration.

Is Newcastle returning to its tried and tested ways? Only time will tell. There are only three weeks remaining in the transfer window, and new midfielders and a potentially new strikeforce to find. It would be a sensible approach.

Yet, in a summer dominated by negativity and supposed failures, Newcastle has completed its mission to strengthen in goal, defence and at right-midfield. Thiaw represents a success story like many before him. While still a long way to go to get the squad ready for the season, his arrival offers much more than just hope.