Newcastle United have reached a full agreement with AC Milan for the transfer of defender Malick Thiaw, in a deal worth €40 million including bonuses.
The 22-year-old centre-back is set to join the Premier League side on a five-year contract and will earn an annual salary of €4 million. Thiaw is expected to travel to England in the coming days to complete his medical and finalise the move.
Manager Eddie Howe has been seeking to strengthen his defensive options ahead of the 2025–26 season, and the addition of Thiaw signals a significant reinforcement.
After weeks of negotiations and speculation surrounding the player’s future, both clubs have now agreed to terms, bringing the saga to a close.
Thiaw had been linked with several clubs across Europe in recent weeks, but Newcastle emerged as the frontrunner in the race for his signature.
The Magpies’ persistence appears to have paid off, with the German-born defender now preparing for a new chapter in the Premier League.
The agreement was first reported by Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, who confirmed that AC Milan have accepted Newcastle’s €40 million package, which includes performance-related bonuses.
The Rossoneri had been reluctant to part ways with the highly-rated centre-back but ultimately sanctioned the transfer after discussions progressed rapidly this week.
Thiaw joined AC Milan in 2022 and quickly established himself as a reliable presence at the heart of their defence. His physical strength, aerial ability, and composure on the ball made him a valuable asset at San Siro.
Over the course of his time with the Italian giants, he made a steady rise, becoming a regular starter and attracting interest from clubs across Europe.
His move to Newcastle marks a major investment for the Tyneside club, who are looking to solidify their backline following a campaign marred by defensive inconsistencies.
Thiaw’s arrival is expected to provide both depth and competition within the squad.
The five-year contract reflects the club’s long-term vision for the player, with Newcastle betting on his potential to grow further under Eddie Howe’s guidance.
Thiaw’s annual salary of €4 million also places him among the higher earners at St James’ Park, signalling the importance placed on his role in the squad.
With a medical now pending, the deal is poised to become official in the coming days. Thiaw’s departure from Milan ends a spell that saw him mature into one of Serie A’s more promising defenders, while Newcastle supporters will be eager to see how he adapts to the demands of English football.
As the transfer window progresses, Newcastle’s acquisition of Malick Thiaw represents one of their marquee moves of the summer — a calculated investment in youth, quality, and defensive assurance.
