Malick Thiaw has surprised everyone with his performances for Newcastle United, but Eddie Howe was shocked before he had even kicked a ball.
For a long time, Newcastle United were searching for a right-sided centre-back to be Fabian Schar’s successor at St James’ Park.
There had been moves for Marc Guehi, Abdukodir Khusanov and Dean Huijsen, but the Magpies were unable to finalise deals for any of them.
In the end, Newcastle United bought Malick Thiaw for £34million. They revisited an old target, having first pursued the German defender 12 months earlier.
Given how well he has performed, Eddie Howe will wish they would have bought Thiaw sooner. In fact, the Newcastle United manager has now expressed his shock at the lack of clubs that pursued him.
Malick Thiaw warms up ahead of Newcastle United vs Fulham at St James' Park.
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
Eddie Howe was worried when Newcastle United tried to sign Malick Thiaw
Speaking ahead of Newcastle United vs Spurs in the Carabao Cup, Howe addressed Malick Thiaw’s arrival at St James’ Park.
The Toon boss was asked if he was surprised by the lack of competition for his signature.
“Yeah to a degree,” he said.
“I was fearful during the summer because there wasn’t a long list of players who we felt were good enough to come in and have the impact Malick has had.
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“He was playing at a top club as well. Whether he was ever going to be available was unclear. And then if he was available, was there going to be someone else that would be able to get him ahead of us.
“Thankfully that wasn’t the case and we were able to secure his signature. I think he was an important signing for us.”
Newcastle United nearly missed out on Malick Thiaw to Como
Newcastle United did actually almost miss out on Thiaw during the summer transfer window.
Geordie Boot Boys had reported that Newcastle were still tracking Thiaw, but it was unclear whether or not he was one of Howe’s top defensive targets. That honour appeared to belong to Giorgio Scalvini.
While the Magpies chased the Atalanta centre-back, Thiaw almost went elsewhere.
There was a deal in place for Thiaw to join Como for £21million, with the Serie A side almost getting themselves a bargain. However, the Germany international ultimately turned down the move.
That was to Eddie Howe’s delight, with Newcastle United signing Thiaw unopposed, albeit for £13million more. However, the fee is nothing to balk at. He has been exceptional for £34million, with Thiaw and Botman set to be Newcastle’s centre-backs for years to come.