Newcastle United given green light to pursue £21m transfer as deal collapses

Newcastle United have been presented with a fresh opportunity to reinforce their defensive ranks as AC Milan defender Malick Thiaw becomes available following the collapse of a proposed transfer to Como 1907.

Milan had accepted a £21 million offer from their Serie A counterparts last month, but despite persistent attempts, Como manager Cesc Fabregas failed to persuade the German international to make the move.

Thiaw, who prioritizes European competition in his next step, has since drawn the attention of clubs that have secured continental football next season, including Newcastle United and Crystal Palace.

Thiaw’s name will sound familiar to many on Tyneside. Newcastle were previously linked with the powerful centre-back last summer, prompting his agent Gordon Stipic to publicly deny claims of a deal with the Magpies at that time.

Now, with Thiaw open to new opportunities and Milan willing to sell, the possibility of a transfer to St James’ Park has re-emerged. The 23-year-old, who has made 85 appearances for Milan since his 2022 switch from Schalke 04, has also earned three caps for the German national team, a testament to his growing profile on the international stage.

Eddie Howe has previously acknowledged Thiaw’s quality, particularly after facing him in the Champions League group stages last season.

Newcastle held Milan to a goalless draw at the San Siro in September 2023, with Thiaw playing a significant role in that defensive display. Although he missed the return leg at St James’ Park due to a hamstring injury, Howe saw enough to form a strong opinion about the player’s abilities.

While the Newcastle boss avoided confirming transfer interest, he described Thiaw as “a very good player” and someone well known to him from their European encounters.

Newcastle’s need for central defensive reinforcements has only grown in urgency. The club had previously been in advanced talks for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi, but walked away due to the Eagles’ high valuation.

Though Guehi is out of contract next summer, Palace remain firm in their stance, refusing to reduce their asking price.

Consequently, Newcastle have shifted their focus to alternative targets, with Leonardo Balerdi of Marseille and Atalanta’s Giorgio Scalvini both emerging as viable options.

As for Palace, they too seem to be preparing for Guehi’s possible departure and have their eyes on replacements. Ousmane Diomande from Sporting Lisbon has been discussed, though sources close to Newcastle suggest he isn’t a primary target for the Magpies.

However, Malick Thiaw is another name being considered by the South London club, and according to reports from Italy, both Palace and Newcastle may soon find themselves in direct competition for his signature.

The situation around Thiaw is growing increasingly competitive, as he also draws interest from Bundesliga heavyweights Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich.

Milan are open to selling, but with multiple top-tier clubs circling, the decision will ultimately rest on Thiaw’s preference—and his desire to play in Europe could tip the scales in Newcastle’s favor, especially with the Magpies returning to Champions League football next season.

Newcastle’s transfer strategy has been shaped by both necessity and opportunity. With Callum Wilson gone and defensive reinforcements needed to maintain a competitive edge domestically and in Europe, adding someone like Thiaw could be a crucial piece of the puzzle.

His physicality, Champions League experience, and versatility make him a perfect fit for Howe’s system.

While the pursuit of Guehi has cooled, Thiaw offers a realistic and potentially more accessible alternative. The club’s hierarchy remains keen to act swiftly, and if Milan’s £21 million valuation holds, Newcastle could pull off a smart and timely move in the market.

As the window progresses and Newcastle’s pre-season plans take shape, securing a player of Thiaw’s pedigree would send a strong signal of ambition.

It may be a deal born out of a collapsed transfer elsewhere, but for Newcastle, it could turn into a significant gain—assuming they act before other European giants step in with competing offers.