Milan keen to keep defender despite Newcastle approach

In partnership with

The Football Faithful

·7 Agustus 2025

Milan keen to keep defender despite Newcastle approach

Newcastle United have reached a full agreement on personal terms with AC Milan defender Malick Thiaw, but the Italian club are demanding nearly double their previous asking price to complete the transfer.

The Premier League club have agreed a four-year contract running until 2029 with the 23-year-old German centre-back, according to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg.

Video OneFootball

Newcastle submitted a £25 million (€30m) bid to AC Milan, but the Rossoneri rejected the offer as manager Massimiliano Allegri now considers the defender integral to his plans.

🚨⚫️⚪️ Newcastle have reached a full verbal agreement with Malick Thiaw on a contract until 2029! /@berger_pj Negotiations between the clubs are ongoing, but Massimiliano Allegri is keen to keep him. The latest offer stood at €30 million. Bayer 04 Leverkusen are monitoring the
– Rabu, 6 Agustus 2025

The dramatic shift in Milan’s position comes after Thiaw’s impressive preseason performances convinced Allegri of his value.

Sky Germany’s Patrick Berger reports that Allegri sees significant potential for the German in a three-man defensive system, marking a complete reversal from earlier in the summer when Thiaw appeared surplus to requirements.

Matteo Moretto, speaking on Fabrizio Romano’s YouTube channel, confirmed that Newcastle have resumed their pursuit of Thiaw. The Italian journalist reported that Newcastle are “back asking after his availability” despite Milan’s reluctance to sell.

Thiaw had been expected to leave Milan after struggling for regular playing time last season. Como agreed a £21 million (€25m) fee with the Italian giants, but the defender rejected the move to Cesc Fabregas’ Serie A side despite the clubs reaching full agreement.

Milan’s new valuation creates transfer obstacle

Milan’s rejection of Newcastle’s £25 million (€30m) offer signals a significant change in their valuation of Thiaw. Moretto outlined the club’s current stance, revealing that only exceptional offers would tempt them to sell.

“Thiaw has become an important piece for Allegri,” Moretto reported. “Today Allegri wants Thiaw to stay, and Milan certainly values him above £25m (€30m). Unless there are truly out-of-market offers, even exceeding £34-38m (€40-45m), Thiaw will stay at Milan.”

HERE WE GO @FabrizioRomano has been bought by AC Milan to increase the fee of Malick Thiaw as #NUFC are now interested. Fabrizio has agreed a 2 month deal to push the price as high as possible as he doesn’t like Newcastle already. Payment terms are expected to be bank transfer!
– Rabu, 6 Agustus 2025

This represents a substantial premium on the £21 million (€25m) Como deal that collapsed earlier in the window. Allegri’s tactical evolution toward a three-man defensive system has created additional centre-back requirements, making Thiaw’s versatility increasingly valuable for Milan.

Newcastle face competition from multiple clubs in their pursuit of Thiaw. Bayer Leverkusen continue monitoring the situation, while Juventus have also been credited with interest in the defender. Any eventual transfer would also benefit Schalke 04, who negotiated a 10% sell-on clause when selling Thiaw to Milan in 2022.

See More – Arteta delivers Gyokeres verdict as Havertz absence explained