Milan turn down €30m bid from Newcastle for defensive talent | OneFootball

Newcastle Make €30m Move for Thiaw but Milan Stand Firm

Newcastle test Milan resolve with significant bid

Newcastle United have made a formal offer worth around €30 million for AC Milan defender Malick Thiaw, according to Gazzetta dello Sport. The proposal was made during a key phase in Milan’s transfer window, which has seen the club balance interest in new targets like Ardon Jashari with managing existing squad members.

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Despite the size of the offer, Milan have no intention of selling. Their plan is to retain the 22-year-old German international, who has grown in importance under Massimiliano Allegri’s current vision of a three-man defence. Thiaw, who can operate centrally or as a wide centre-back, is viewed as a developing asset rather than one to cash in on.

Milan’s summer plans impact Newcastle pursuit

This is not the first approach for Thiaw this summer. Milan had previously accepted an offer from Como, only for the player himself to turn it down. Newcastle’s interest represents a step up in both valuation and ambition, but Milan are shifting their attention towards raising funds through other sales.

The Italian club are open to departures for players like Samuel Chukwueze and Yunus Musah, with Fulham and Nottingham Forest both monitoring those situations. Fulham have already made a loan proposal for Chukwueze, while Forest are considered front-runners for Musah.

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Newcastle may return with improved offer

The Premier League side remain active in the market and could return with a higher bid, although Milan’s stance is currently firm. The Serie A club believe Thiaw’s role will be central to their tactical setup this season and are not actively encouraging negotiations for his departure.

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Instead, Milan are working to finalise a deal for Young Boys midfielder Zachary Athekame. Their initial €7 million offer was rejected, but discussions remain ongoing and there is optimism the transfer can be concluded before the end of the weekend.

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For Newcastle fans, this one stings. Not because Thiaw is a globally renowned name or a guaranteed superstar, but because it felt like a smart, strategic move. A €30 million bid for a young, versatile defender with Serie A and international experience was more than fair. But Milan’s refusal, while understandable, shows how far Newcastle still are from competing with Europe’s elite in these negotiations.

The idea that Milan would rather sell Chukwueze or Musah than even entertain serious talks for Thiaw reflects both their valuation of the player and Newcastle’s position in the market. Newcastle are ambitious, but perhaps still viewed as a tier below the clubs that get deals like this done swiftly.

There’s also a sense of missed opportunity here. With defensive depth already a concern, Thiaw could have been an ideal fit in Eddie Howe’s evolving system. He’s comfortable in a back three, strong in the air, and tactically disciplined. Instead, supporters are left wondering whether the club will circle back or shift focus elsewhere.