Malick Thiaw is officially a Newcastle United player, but has cost a lot more than initially expected.
It was confirmed on Tuesday night that Newcastle have signed Thiaw from AC Milan, with the defender inking a four-year deal at St James’ Park.
Thiaw is costing Newcastle £34million, as he becomes the third senior player to move to Tyneside this summer after Anthony Elanga and Aaron Ramsdale.
It is a good bit of business, but the price tag has caused some confusion.
Malick Thiaw is unveiled as a Newcastle United player.
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Newcastle United forced to pay more for Malick Thiaw because of instalments stance
Earlier this summer, it was reported that AC Milan had agreed to sell Thiaw to Como for just £21million. However, he rejected the chance to join the Serie A side.
Fast forward a few weeks and suddenly Newcastle United are paying a lot more money for the same player.
According to the Athletic, the reason that AC Milan raised Thiaw’s price tag is because Newcastle wanted to spread the price of the deal over multiple years, whereas Como were going to pay the entire fee at once.
On top of that, Thiaw’s performances in pre-season had convinced Massimiliano Allegri that he wanted to keep the centre-back at the San Siro.
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However, Thiaw wanted to join Newcastle United and a £30million deal with £4.3million of add-ons was agreed.
Where Malick Thiaw ranks among Newcastle United’s most expensive signings
His £34.3million arrival makes him one of Newcastle’s most expensive signings ever.
The Germany international immediately enters the top 10, sitting ninth in between Tino Livramento and Sven Botman.
Out of the 10 most expensive Newcastle United transfers ever, only one of them came before PIF bought the club in October 2021. That was Joelinton, who Mike Ashley purchased for £40million.
Top of the tree is still Alexander Isak, who cost £63million from Real Sociedad in August 2022. Newcastle have tried to topple that sum this transfer window, having made club-record approaches for Hugo Ekitike and Benjamin Sesko. However, they joined Liverpool and Manchester United respectively.