‘Full agreement’ – Newcastle United could end transfer frustration in major boost for Liverpool
The long-standing courtship between Newcastle United and Malick Thiaw appears finally poised to bear fruit, with Sky Germany revealing the Magpies have secured full agreement on personal terms with the AC Milan defender.
The 23-year-old German international has committed to a proposed four-year deal at St James’ Park, marking a significant breakthrough in Newcastle’s protracted pursuit of the center-back.
Negotiations between the clubs continue following Newcastle’s latest €30 million bid, though Milan’s new manager Max Allegri remains reluctant to sanction the sale.
The Italian giants face growing pressure as Bayer Leverkusen also circle for Thiaw’s signature, creating a complex three-way tussle for a player Newcastle have tracked since their Champions League encounters with Milan last season.
Eddie Howe’s need for defensive reinforcements has become increasingly urgent. An aging backline featuring Fabian Schar (32), Jamaal Lascelles (30), Dan Burn (31) and Emil Krafth (29) requires rejuvenation, while Sven Botman’s persistent fitness issues have undermined his reliability.
Thiaw’s potential arrival would inject youthful vitality into a department that struggled with depth throughout last campaign.
The proposed deal represents a partial redemption for Newcastle’s transfer strategy after last summer’s failed pursuit of Marc Guéhi.
The Crystal Palace defender’s £50 million valuation proved prohibitive under Premier League Profit and Sustainability Rules, forcing the Magpies to explore alternative options.
Thiaw’s more modest price tag and superior aerial presence (winning 2.3 duels per game last season) make him an appealing compromise.
Interestingly, Newcastle’s progress with Thiaw could inadvertently benefit Liverpool in their own defensive recruitment. With Guéhi entering the final year of his Palace contract, the Reds may now face reduced competition should they pursue the England international.
Newcastle’s apparent shift in focus leaves Liverpool with clearer runway to either negotiate a cut-price deal this summer or wait for a free transfer in 2025.
For Newcastle, securing Thiaw would mark their first major defensive acquisition since Botman’s 2022 arrival. The German’s comfort in both back-four and back-three systems aligns perfectly with Howe’s tactical flexibility, while his Champions League experience adds valuable pedigree.
Standing at 6’3″, his physical profile addresses Newcastle’s vulnerability to set pieces – they conceded 14 goals from dead balls last term, the league’s fourth-worst record.
As talks between Newcastle and Milan enter their decisive phase, the coming days will reveal whether Allegri’s resistance can be overcome.
With preseason preparations intensifying, the Magpies hierarchy recognizes the urgency of bolstering their defensive options before the Premier League’s August kickoff.
Thiaw represents not just a solution to immediate needs, but a strategic investment in the backline’s long-term future – provided they can finally conclude a transfer saga twelve months in the making.