Malick Thiaw has opened up about the conversations he shared with Sandro Tonali after leaving AC Milan for Newcastle United, offering a clearer picture of how his move unfolded and what life has been like since arriving in the North East.
The two players were teammates in Italy before Tonali made his switch to St James’ Park in the summer of 2023. Two years later, Newcastle finally landed Thiaw as well, completing a transfer Eddie Howe had been working on for a long time.
The German defender has settled into life at Newcastle with impressive speed, becoming one of the team’s standout performers this season. Many fans already view him as one of the club’s smartest signings in years, especially considering he cost only an initial £30 million, with £4 million more in possible add-ons. For a player delivering at his level, the price looks like a bargain in today’s inflated transfer market.
Thiaw recently spoke with PianetaMilan.it, a website dedicated to AC Milan, and he reflected on what pushed him toward the Premier League, how he made the decision to leave Italy, and what Tonali told him after he arrived. His honesty paints a clear picture of his mindset and the direction he believes his career should take.
When asked directly if it was his choice to leave AC Milan for Newcastle, Thiaw did not hesitate. He said the move was one he personally felt ready for, and that he is happy with the decision he made.
He described Milan as a great club, admitting that walking away from such an institution was not easy, but deep down he felt it was the right moment to try something different.
The Premier League and the Champions League were strong attractions, and when Newcastle approached him seriously, he felt the opportunity was too big to turn down.
What many people expected, however, was that his former teammate Sandro Tonali might have played a role in convincing him to make the switch. Interestingly, Thiaw revealed that he did not speak to Tonali about the move while he was still in Italy.
He made his decision independently. It was only after he arrived in England that Tonali shared his thoughts, telling him that Newcastle was a great place to live, that the club had huge ambition, and that the supporters were something special.
According to Thiaw, Tonali made it clear that although Newcastle is different from Milan, it still offers a fantastic atmosphere and a passionate football culture.
When he was asked whether Newcastle’s fans were even “hotter” than Milan’s, Thiaw gave a balanced answer. He made sure to emphasise how incredible AC Milan supporters are, but at the same time, he acknowledged that Newcastle fans have their own unique energy.
Anyone who has played at St James’ Park knows the atmosphere can be overwhelming in the best way, and Thiaw seems to appreciate that intensity.
What is striking about Thiaw’s reflections is how grounded he remains. He speaks respectfully of AC Milan while showing genuine excitement about Newcastle’s future.
Both he and Tonali are still young, entering what many would consider the best years of their careers. Tonali is only 25, and Thiaw is 24, which means Newcastle have secured two players who can form the foundation of the team for years to come.
Their understanding from their time in Italy has carried over into England, and it is clear that Eddie Howe values the calmness, intelligence, and professionalism they bring to the squad.
From Newcastle’s perspective, signing both players for around £85 million combined looks like outstanding business. In a football world where prices continue to rise, investing in two players with such high potential, strong mentality, and proven experience in top-level football is a major step forward. It also explains why many AC Milan supporters were frustrated to lose them, especially in such a short space of time.
As the season continues, Thiaw is becoming an even more important figure in the Newcastle defence. His composure, reading of the game, and comfort on the ball have strengthened a back line that needed stability.
His partnership with other defenders has been smooth, and his confidence grows with every match. Meanwhile, Tonali’s influence in midfield continues to increase, showing why both players were so highly rated in Serie A.
Together, they represent a new era for Newcastle United one shaped by smart recruiting, long-term planning, and a belief that the club can compete with the best.
AC Milan’s loss has certainly become Newcastle’s gain, and fans on Tyneside are starting to see the full value of having two ambitious, hungry players who are determined to succeed in the Premier League.
