Newcastle's Strategic Signing: Malick Thiaw
Eddie Howe expressed concerns last summer.
Newcastle United was actively searching for a center-back, but the options available did not inspire confidence in the head coach. Howe had targeted Malick Thiaw, yet questions lingered: could Newcastle successfully lure the 24-year-old away from AC Milan?
Moreover, even if they succeeded, would another club swoop in and snatch him away, as had happened with previous targets like Hugo Ekitike, Benjamin Sesko, Joao Pedro, and James Trafford during a taxing transfer window?
This time, however, Newcastle secured a £35 million deal for Thiaw in August.
The transfer did not attract much attention, especially as Newcastle went on to break their transfer record for another German player, Nick Woltemade, and made significant investments in Yoane Wissa, Anthony Elanga, and Jacob Ramsey.
Nevertheless, Thiaw was always regarded as an essential signing by Howe. “Malick is an outstanding talent who possesses a well-rounded skill set,” Howe remarked this week. “I’m very pleased with how he has started.”
Thriving Under Pressure
Newcastle had been monitoring Thiaw's development at Milan for quite some time. The club believed it would be challenging to find another defender with a similar profile at such a price, particularly one as imposing, athletic, and comfortable on the ball.
Importantly, Thiaw was also eager to join. He had a productive conversation with Howe and perceived Newcastle as a fitting match for his aspirations. He felt “proud” of Newcastle’s interest after researching the club and the Premier League.
Paul Winsper, a high-performance consultant who previously worked with Newcastle, mentioned that he was able to “sell the North East” to Thiaw during a training camp in the Lake District weeks earlier. Winsper, who has collaborated with notable athletes such as boxer Anthony Joshua and England rugby captain Maro Itoje, believed Thiaw would “relish” life at St. James’ Park.
“I’m not saying AC Milan isn’t a big club—they are. But the atmosphere at Newcastle is different, and he has the character for it,” Winsper noted. “His mentality reminds me a lot of Toni Rudiger. When under pressure, he thrives.”
Thiaw certainly had to step up after Fabian Schar suffered a concussion last month. Only captain Bruno Guimaraes (167) has made more appearances for Newcastle than Schar (162) under Howe. Schar has been a consistent presence as a right-sided center-back, so Thiaw initially had to wait for his chance after joining just before the season began.
However, he used his time on the bench to study the games, witnessing the intensity and speed of the Premier League firsthand, as Howe described it, and impressed the coaching staff during training. When the opportunity for his full debut arrived against Bournemouth, Thiaw was ready to seize it.
Since then, the 6ft 4in defender has maintained his spot in the lineup. This development did not surprise his close friend Erdem Canpolat, who rose through the ranks alongside Thiaw at Schalke. “Malick never shies away from a challenge and always wants to lead from the front—a true mentality monster,” Canpolat stated.
Newcastle Will Have a Lot of Fun with Him
Although it is still early in his tenure, Thiaw has been warmly welcomed by Geordie fans, who have serenaded him to the tune of ‘Ciao Bella’ following his performances. Since his full debut, Newcastle has conceded only six goals in nine matches across all competitions.
This is not to say Newcastle's defense has been impenetrable; they have allowed damaging late goals against Arsenal and Brighton during this span. However, without their resolute defending, Howe's side would likely be lower than their current 12th place in the Premier League.
Only Arsenal has recorded more clean sheets than Newcastle (five) in the top flight this season, and the league leaders are the only team to have a lower expected goals against (xG) figure than Newcastle’s (7.33).
Thiaw has been instrumental in forming a strong partnership with Sven Botman at the heart of the defense. “He’s just been himself,” Howe commented.
Although it is a small sample size, among Premier League defenders who have played at least 400 minutes, Thiaw ranks fourth for interceptions (1.79) per 90 minutes and sixth for aerial duels won (4.17) per 90 minutes, with a duel success rate of 71%.
On the ball, only midfielder Jacob Ramsey has a better pass completion rate than Thiaw (87%). This defender “seeks to find solutions rather than simply clearing the ball,” as former Schalke teammate Can Bozdogan put it. “He is a central defender with excellent technique. He can build play but is also very athletic—fast, strong, and capable of reading the game. Newcastle will have a lot of fun with him.”