Football transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has provided a fresh update on Newcastle United’s pursuit of AC Milan defender Malick Thiaw.
While others may have slowed their transfer business after being rejected by so many players, Newcastle United are still eager to make the most of the few weeks left in the summer window to add more quality across the starting XI.
Newcastle have prioritised a striker after the signing of Anthony Elanga, but are yet to get any of their proposed deals over the line. However, there is encouragement that Brentford’s Yoane Wissa will sign for Newcastle after talks with his representatives ramped up on Friday.
Meanwhile, Newcastle are looking to sign a centre-back, and have begun talks with AC Milan over a deal for 23-year-old Malick Thiaw. The German international looks set to leave the Italian giants this summer, but wants to keep playing European football.
In July, Geordie Boot Boys reported that Newcastle were still big admirers of Thiaw, even though they had opted to make a move for Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi in 2024.
With a deal looking back on, Fabrizio Romano has provided the latest on talks between Newcastle and Thiaw.
Malick Thiaw takes part in an AC Milan training session.
Photo by Claudio Villa/AC Milan via Getty Images
Newcastle United make an improved offer for Malick Thiaw
Eddie Howe is a big fan of Thiaw, with the Newcastle boss stating that he believes the defender is ‘very good’ during pre-season in 2024. His recruitment team were priced out of a deal last summer, but there is hope that he will become a Newcastle player this time around.
It has been confirmed that Thiaw has given encouragement that he wants to play for Newcastle due to their involvement in the Champions League. Talks are still going on, but work is being done to get a deal done quickly.
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Now, Romano has stated that Newcastle have put in an improved offer for Thiaw. Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri is unwilling to let Thiaw go easily, so Newcastle are likely paying slightly over his valuation for him.
Romano also claims that the two clubs are still in negotiations over a deal, but it remains to be seen whether he will be in the squad in time for the first game of the season against Aston Villa.
🚨⚪️⚫️ Newcastle have improved their proposal to AC Milan for Malick Thiaw as personal terms are agreed.
Negotiations underway club to club, as Milan manager Allegri wants to keep Thiaw; but improved bid has now been submitted. pic.twitter.com/KkGD7odlA3
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 9, 2025
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Whether Malick Thiaw will be a starter for Newcastle United
If Newcastle can get this deal done, it gives them a much better chance of having a successful season and gives them a stronger defence to compete against some of the bigger teams in the Champions League.
Thiaw was a frequent name on the list of starters at Milan last season, but he could soon be lining up for the Magpies if the deal goes through. However, I would not expect the defender to become an immediate starter on Tyneside.
Howe has made a habit of easing his new signings in at Newcastle, so the likelihood is that Fabian Schar will keep their place in the starting XI for the first few games before Thiaw finally takes over.
Schar is now 34 and is out of contract at the end of next season, so this could well be the final term fans see him in the black and white stripes.