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7 hours ago
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Newcastle United are preparing a fresh bid to sign 23-year-old AC Milan defender Malick Thiaw, with European ambitions and defensive depth firmly in focus ahead of the 2025-26 campaign, according to TBR Football.
The Magpies has endured a turbulent season at the back, with key defenders Sven Botman, Kieran Trippier and Lewis Hall missing crucial spells due to injury and Manager Eddie Howe is no mood to repeat that mistake.
The move can gain impetus if Toons’ Army secure the Champions League Qualification.
After a frustrating 2024 summer window where they failed to land primary target Marc Guehi, Newcastle have now turned their attention to Thiaw — a player Howe saw up close during group-stage clashes with Milan in last season’s Champions League.
Germany international, who has made 63 appearances for Milan in Serie A since his move from Schalke in 2022, is reportedly valued at £25 million ($33m)
The player has also attracted interest from multiple Premier League clubs, with Tottenham also monitoring his situation, according to reports.
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Statistically, Thiaw ranks in the 94th percentile for pass completion (93.2%) and 87th for progressive passes (4.96 per 90 minutes) among centre-backs in Europe’s top five leagues, per Fbref.
His ball progression and shot-creating actions (1.09 per 90, 73rd percentile) make him a modern centre-back with clear upside.
Newcastle have Marc Guehi on radar too
Newcastle United are eyeing Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi once again, according to Fichajes.
The Magpies, who failed to land him last summer, are reportedly preparing a fresh approach as they look to bolster their defense ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
Newcastle are ready to test Palace’s stance with an offer close to £46 million ($62m). Guehi, who has impressed this season with 50 appearances and 16 clean sheets, enters the final year of his contract. As per reports Eddie Howe is “desperate” to bring the England international to St. James’ Park
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