Newcastle United release Malick Thiaw statement as 2029 deal confirmed
Newcastle United have confirmed their third major summer signing.
Defender Malick Thiaw has joined Newcastle from AC Milan in a deal worth up to £34.3million including add-ons.
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The 24-year-old centre-back has signed a deal at St James’ Park that runs until 2029.
Thiaw follows Anthony Elanga and Aaron Ramsdale through the door at Newcastle ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League opener at Aston Villa on Saturday (12:30pm kick-off). He will wear the No. 12 shirt for The Magpies.
Newcastle United release Malick Thiaw statement
Thiaw arrived on Tyneside on Sunday before completing his medical and finalising the transfer.
The three-time German international arrives at Newcastle having made 85 appearances over three seasons at AC Milan, including one in the 0-0 draw with The Magpies in the Champions League at the San Siro.
His only goal for Milan came in a 3-1 away win at Real Madrid in the Champions League last November.
Newcastle’s official statement released at 10am on Tuesday, August 12 read: “Newcastle United can confirm the signing of defender Malick Thiaw on a long-term deal from Italian side AC Milan.
“The 24-year-old, a Germany international who predominantly plays at centre-back, becomes the Magpies’ third first-team addition of the summer.
“Malick began his professional career with homeland side Schalke 04, where he progressed through the youth system before making his Bundesliga debut as an 18-year-old in 2020. The defender has three Germany caps to his name at international level.
“Malick will wear shirt number 12 for Newcastle United this season.”
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Malick Thiaw reacts to Newcastle United transfer
Speaking to the club website about the move, Thiaw said: “I’m really excited to join this massive club. 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.”
Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe previously expressed his admiration for Thiaw last summer when the defender was first linked with a move to Tyneside.
After finally landing a defensive signing, Howe said: “We’re really pleased to have Malick on board. He’s a player I’ve admired for a long time and somebody who will add real quality to our defensive options.
“Malick is still young but brings valuable experience of Champions League football, as well as playing in the Bundesliga and Serie A, which is a major positive for us as we return to Europe this season.”
Thiaw will join Dan Burn, Sven Botman, Fabian Schar and Jamaal Lascelles as Newcastle’s senior centre-back options heading into the new season.
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What next for Newcastle United?
As Alexander Isak’s future dominates headlines amid transfer interest from Liverpool, Newcastle are seeking a satisfactory resolution to that situation while also looking to strengthen in attack and midfield.
Brentford’s Yoane Wissa is a top attacking target for The Magpies while Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson has also been linked. Newcastle have also registered an interest in Aston Villa’s Jacob Ramsey and Leicester City’s Bilal El Khannouss as attacking midfield options.