Malick Thiaw, Jamie Leweling and Nick Woltemade interact during a training session of the German national team on November 11, 2025 in Wolfsburg, Germany.placeholder image
Malick Thiaw, Jamie Leweling and Nick Woltemade interact during a training session of the German national team on November 11, 2025 in Wolfsburg, Germany. | Getty Images
Newcastle United defender Malick Thiaw is back with the German national team for the first time since 2023.
Malick Thiaw has made an impressive start to life at Newcastle United following his £35million move from AC Milan over the summer.
Despite Newcastle’s inconsistent start to the season and Premier League struggles, Thiaw has stood out as one of the side’s top performers under Eddie Howe so far this season.
The centre-back has also been dubbed as one of the signings of the summer for Newcastle after a difficult transfer window.
Malick Thiaw made ‘the right decision’ joining Newcastle United
Recently, Newcastle head coach Howe admitted he had been an admirer of Thiaw for a number of years and had previously explored the possibility of signing the German defender in previous transfer windows.
Even in the summer, AC Milan agreed a deal with Serie A side Como to sign Thiaw but the defender opted against the move before Newcastle swooped in.
“Malick was a player we'd known for a long, long time and we'd made various attempts to try and sign him and it hadn't quite worked out in previous windows,” Howe revealed recently.
“This window, it felt like everything might align a bit better in terms of his situation at his club, our need, available funds, there's a lot that goes into it and thankfully that was the case.
“It wasn't an easy transfer to complete. He's obviously very highly rated but I think I said a couple of weeks ago we were delighted to see off any other suitors and finally get him.
“It felt like a long pursuit but certainly worth the wait.”
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Explaining his decision to join Newcastle amid interest from elsehwere, Thiaw was impressed by the determination and desire shown by the club.
"Definitely,” Thiaw told Sky Sport in Germany. “There was already a discussion in the spring, but this summer it became much more concrete than in previous years.
“I also had talks with Eddie Howe, in which he explained his plans for me and where he saw me playing. Based on that, I decided on Newcastle. I think it was the right decision."
Thiaw has quickly become a fan favourite on Tyneside with one of the club’s most popular chants this season being dedicated to the German defender to the tune of Bella Ciao.
"I know the lyrics – they're fantastic,” Thiaw smiled. “It's a song I've never had before in my career. I was surprised when I first heard it.
“My teammates then told me – without downplaying it – that it's common in England. Nevertheless, it was wonderful for me. I first heard the song at an away game when I was standing in front of the fans. I'll never forget that moment."
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Malick Thiaw on Germany return
Thiaw’s form at Newcastle has seen him rewarded by a timely return to the German national team heading into a World Cup year.
The 24-year-old has been capped three times and will be hoping to add to it in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Luxembourg and Slovakia as they look to secure a spot at next summer’s tournament in North America.
“I've always played at a good level. That's why you always hope to be nominated. That hasn't been the case recently. Nevertheless, I've always tried to give my best. Therefore, I'm all the happier to be able to play for Germany again.
“[Julian Naglesmann] called me when I moved to Newcastle . We had a phone conversation, and the initial expectation was that I would deliver in the games for Newcastle. I think I've managed that quite well lately. Since I've been here, we haven't had a face-to-face conversation yet, but I'm sure that will happen in the next few days."
Thiaw is one of two Newcastle representatives in the German team this month with £65million record signing Nick Woltemade also called-up and hoping to add to his first senior international goal scored against Northern Ireland during the last international break.
"Nick's qualities are undisputed,” Thiaw said. “Everyone is aware of that. I already knew Nick before, so I was aware of what he brings to the table and that he could definitely make it in England. The fact that he then got off to such a perfect start was perfect. He's doing very well."
Malick Thiaw looking to take Germany opportunity after Senegal & Finland interest
Thiaw was also eligible to play for Senegal and Finland through his parents though his intention has always been to represent the country of his birth.
"I'm aware that I haven't been with the DFB for almost two years now,” he added. “Therefore, I know that I'm not coming here as an undisputed starter. I have to prove myself and hope that I get playing time so that I can meet the coach's expectations.
"My priority has always been to play for Germany. However, I also listened to the plans of Senegal and Finland. Since I haven't been with the DFB for two years, I've maintained contact with the other two nations.
“However, I made it clear from the beginning that Germany is always my priority and that if I received a call from there, I would gladly play for Germany."
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