Newcastle United struck gold when they signed Malick Thiaw.
After a lengthy search for a right-sided centre-back, Newcastle United could not have done much better than buying the 24-year-old for £34million.
Eddie Howe has been delighted with Malick Thiaw, who has adapted to English football with ease. He has undoubtedly been Newcastle United’s signing of the summer, with so many of the Magpies’ new recruits yet to truly shine.
But even when Newcastle United have struggled, Thiaw has excelled. He has been an outstanding addition to the Newcastle United squad, and now the man himself has explained why he made the move and whether he is actually happy with his decision.
Malick Thiaw kneels down during Newcastle United's game against Brentford.
Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Malick Thiaw is very happy he joined Newcastle United
Thiaw is currently away on international duty with Germany, having been recalled to the squad after a two-year absence.
That speaks volumes about how well he has played for Eddie Howe, and the centre-back has explained to Sky Germany that the Newcastle United manager was a key factor in his decision to leave AC Milan for the Magpies.
“There was already a discussion [with Newcastle United] in the spring, but this summer it became much more concrete than in previous years,” he said.
“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.
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“I think it was the right decision.”
Germany return justifies Malick Thiaw’s Newcastle United decision
Newcastle United fans are so grateful that Thiaw decided to make the move, and his decision has already been justified.
He has arguably been the Magpies’ best player this season, and his efforts have won him a place in the Germany squad. That is huge for Thiaw, with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon next summer.
He has been aided by Newcastle signing Nick Woltemade too, which has meant more German eyes on goings-on at St James’ Park.
That has allowed Thiaw to remind Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann of his qualities, resulting in a return to international football.
He will hope to add to the three caps he won in 2023, with Germany set to face Luxembourg and Slovakia in World Cup qualifiers on Friday and Tuesday evening.