Newcastle strike £34.3m transfer deal for defender as Toon finally land summer target
Newcastle are closing in on the signing of Malick Thiaw from AC Milan with Eddie Howe poised to enjoy a rare transfer success this summer following several big misses
Newcastle have agreed a deal to land AC Milan defender Malick Thiaw after the two clubs settled on a fee of £34.3million that will see the German head to Tyneside for a medical.
It is a major breakthrough for the Magpies, who have missed out on a number of targets this summer, but the versatile defender is edging towards a move to St James’ Park. Thiaw will provide competition at the heart of the defence.
Newcastle see the 24-year-old as the right-sided replacement for Fabian Schar, who turns 34 in December, reports the Daily Mail. Thiaw would become just the second major signing for Eddie Howe this summer after he also landed Antony Elanga from Nottingham Forest.
Beyond that though it has been a frustrating summer for the club, who have just returned to the Champions League, yet have seen a number of the players they’ve pursued head to other clubs.
Joao Pedro, Bryan Mbeumo and James Trafford were all on their radar before they decided to move to some of Newcastle’s Premier League rivals. Howe will also have been fearing the departure of Alexander Isak, who had made it known he wanted to seek pastures new.
That led to the club’s interest in Benjamin Sesko, only to see their bid for the then RB Leipzig star rejected. Manchester United were quick to come to the table and the Slovenian completed his move to Manchester on Sautrday. Yoane Wissa is another player Newcastle have pursued, but not signed.
That led to the club’s interest in Benjamin Sesko, only to see their bid for the then RB Leipzig star rejected. Manchester United were quick to come to the table and the Slovenian completed his move to Manchester on Sautrday. Yoane Wissa is another player Newcastle have pursued, but not signed.
