Malick Thiaw's first words as a Newcastle United player as £34m transfer confirmed

Malick Thiaw's first words as a Newcastle United player as £34m transfer confirmed

Newcastle United have signed Malick Thiaw from AC Milan on a 'long-term' deal

Malick Thiaw of Germany (Image: Getty Images)

Newcastle United have completed the signing of Malick Thiaw after a lengthy pursuit of the AC Milan centre-back.

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The 24-year-old arrives in a deal just shy of £35m, becoming Eddie Howe's third senior signing of the summer.

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Thiaw jetted into Tyneside over the weekend, undertaking his medical at the club's Benton base on Monday afternoon.

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His capture brings an end to a long-running hunt for additional central defensive reinforcements at St James' Park.

Speaking out after his transfer was confirmed, Thiaw said: “I’m really excited to join this massive club. I can’t wait to start training and to get to know my new teammates and all the staff.

“The gaffer showed me his vision and what he wants to do with me as a player and the club itself, which is really exciting.

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“I think Newcastle speaks for itself. It’s a great club, a big club with passionate fans who I can’t wait to see at St. James’ Park.”

Newcastle have admired Thiaw for some time, initially considering a move for the Germany international 12 months ago.

Back then, the north east outfit were hamstrung due to well-documented PSR issues but this time around have faced no such issues financially - with the player eager to join.

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Thiaw had looked set to join Serie A side Como earlier in the summer, with a deal in the region of £23m agreed between AC Milan and their Italian counterparts.

The player ultimately rejected the move after some hefty deliberation, before returning to Milan's pre-season training one day early in a bid to impress new boss Massimiliano Allegri.

The bold move worked, with the former Juventus boss changing his tune on Thiaw's future until Newcastle approached San Siro chiefs in pursuit of a deal this summer.

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Discussing his new arrival, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe said: "We’re really pleased to have Malick on board.

"He’s a player I’ve admired for a long time and somebody who will add real quality to our defensive options.

“Malick is still young but brings valuable experience of Champions League football, as well as playing in the Bundesliga and Serie A, which is a major positive for us as we return to Europe this season."

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