Newcastle United’s move for AC Milan defender Malick Thiaw ended a pursuit of a central defender that spanned across two summers.
Around a year after the Marc Guehi debacle, Newcastle United finally brought in some defensive cover by signing Thiaw.
Thiaw cost Newcastle £34.4million and the German international has signed a four-year contract at St James’ Park.
The 24-year-old brings depth to a Newcastle United squad that desperately needed it in defence.
There’s little sign of either Dan Burn or Fabian Schar slowing down but both are in their mid-thirties and cannot go on forever. Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles, meanwhile, are only just returning from lengthy injury issues.
The addition of Thiaw is a positive but Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie has suggested Newcastle may not be done yet in their plans to strengthen the defence.
Eddie Howe meets Malick Thiaw after the defender signs for Newcastle United.
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Newcastle United could sign another defender
Speaking at Friday’s pre-match press conference ahead of Newcastle’s trip to Aston Villa in the Premier League on Saturday, Eddie Howe revealed the club were still on the hunt for new additions.
After Howe confirmed that Newcastle were still “active” in the transfer market, Downie said in a video posted on YouTube: “I think they might still be looking for a central defender.
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“Maybe not one to come in and start but maybe one just to come in and give a bit of depth. Maybe a younger player to come in and learn.”
Eddie Howe ‘excited’ by Malick Thiaw at Newcastle United
Howe confirmed he’d scouted Thiaw for a long time when speaking immediately after Newcastle announced his signing.
Speaking to BBC Sport, the Newcastle United manager expanded on that.
He said: “I’m really excited by Malick.
“I think he is a great age. He’s full of potential and the best of his career is yet to come.
“He’s an imposing character. He’s 6ft 4in, quick, athletic, good on the ball. Those types of players are very rare to find. He’s a good character as well so I’m very excited by what he can bring.”
It would be interesting to see if Newcastle really do try and sign another defender. Right now, it doesn’t appear to be a hugely pressing need.
Clearly, having as much depth in the squad as possible ahead of a Champions League campaign can only be a good thing but signing a new striker or two plus potentially another midfielder would surely be a better use of Newcastle’s limited time.