AC Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri has spoken to the press after Newcastle United’s offer for defender Malick Thiaw was accepted at the weekend.
Following many setbacks in the summer transfer window, the Magpies are trying to make up for lost time by bringing in new players weeks leading up to the closure.
Anthony Elanga joined Newcastle United, solving a longstanding problem on the right wing. At the same time, Aaron Ramsdale could be a long-term replacement for Nick Pope if his loan move is made permanent next summer.
Now, Eddie Howe has a new centre-back to replace Fabian Schar, whose contract runs out in 2026. Malick Thiaw has arrived in Newcastle for his medical ahead of a £35million move. The 24-year-old was spotted in the skies by eagle-eyed fans on Sunday evening, with his medical due to take place on Monday.
Thiaw rejected ‘big clubs’ for Newcastle this summer, a sign that they can bring in quality players despite what has happened elsewhere. With the German international now on Tyneside, AC Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri has shared his true feelings about the move.
Malick Thiaw in action during a friendly between Perth Glory and AC Milan.
Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images
Massimiliano Allegri opens up on Malick Thiaw’s move to Newcastle United
Howe remained tight-lipped about Thiaw’s arrival on Saturday, but the defender will soon become a Newcastle player.
It remains to be seen whether Thiaw will be part of Newcastle’s first-team squad for the trip to Villa Park on Saturday. His involvement will depend on Howe, who will be keen to ease him in rather than throw him straight into the deep end.
Allegri was reluctant to let Thiaw leave Milan, but felt the transfer fee was far too good to turn down. Now, Allegri has broken his silence on the deal and shared his true feelings about letting Thiaw go.
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“Thiaw? It’s a shame he left,” Allegri told Sky Sports. “The club is working to find a replacement, that’s the transfer market you have to accept it and keep working. In the squad I have excellent players who have made themselves available to one another.”
Malick Thiaw speaks before flying for Newcastle United medical
Thiaw’s arrival gives Howe another young centre-back, effectively completing his ideal back four. The Toon boss can now play a defence where the oldest player is 25, should he wish, so it is safe to say that Newcastle’s defence is sorted for the next few years.
Newcastle tried to sign the defender in 2024, with a similar transfer fee being discussed. However, PSR concerns meant that a deal could not be completed, and Newcastle were unable to sign any alternatives, despite their best efforts.
Thiaw’s first words as a Newcastle player will surely be exciting, but the 24-year-old has already commented on the move ahead of his flight to the North East.
Speaking outside an airport in Milan, Thiaw said: “Newcastle? Yes, I am very happy, but it has been a pleasure (at Milan). I’m ready for the Premier League”.
“These three years have been a pleasure. I’ve learned a lot. I’ve grown as a footballer but also as a person. I wish them all the best, to all of the people I spent time with here – the players, the staff, media and doctors.
“My best memory? Tough but I think our Champions League campaign, reaching the semi-final.”