Newcastle release big Malick Thiaw interview - Howe, why he signed & style of play

It’s a move that’s been years in the making, but Malick Thiaw can finally call himself a Newcastle United player.

The 24-year-old German was confirmed to be our newest signing late on Tuesday night, after we struck a deal with AC Milan worth over £30m.

Boasting immense experience in the Bundesliga, Serie A and Champions League, Thiaw has all the tools to be a top defender on Tyneside.

And now the former Milan man has addressed his move to the North East for the first time, including how he’s found the move so far, what ambitions he has, and his unlikely connection with the film Goal!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmYI4NtpuMc

On excitement over his big move

In his first official interview released by the club, Thiaw has gone into detail on a frantic few days which quickly saw him go from playing a friendly with AC Milan in London to making the move to Newcastle.

“It’s great. I’m really really happy to be here, to finally have made this move. I can’t wait to start to train with the team and see all my new teammates.”

“The interest I knew for a while already, but now it went really really quick. I was with Milan in Dublin, and after the game I knew that everything was nearly done, that I could finally come to Newcastle.”

First impressions on Eddie Howe and the club itself

We’ve already seen this window the warm welcome that has been shown to Anthony Elanga and Aaron Ramsdale from the club, and how much working under Eddie Howe has influenced their respective choices to move.

Thiaw himself has now told of how he has been sold on the Newcastle project, and how it’s only fuelled his excitement over joining.

“I spoke with the coach, he showed me his ambition, what he wanted to do with me and the club itself. And I think Newcastle speaks for itself, what a great big club it is with the fans and with the stadium. So I’m really excited to join this massive club.”

“He told me first of all that he’s really happy that I joined. He has a big project here, and he wants to develop each year, he wants to win some trophies as he won last season, and I think I can be part of this team.”

Having spent his entire career so far on the continent, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Thiaw had just a passing awareness of who we are. But instead, his knowledge of us stems from an unlikely source…

“I know a bit about the city. I saw some clips I got sent about the city, about the club because it’s a big club: everyone knows a bit about Newcastle. Also the movie ‘Goal!’ I think was the first contact I got with Newcastle when I was really really small.”

On previous experience against Newcastle and connection to Tonali

Eagle-eyed fans will recognise Thiaw for his appearance against us for AC Milan in the 2023/24 Champions League campaign.

And Thiaw remembers the game itself well, remarking how much of a test it was for him and the Milan defence.

“It was a tough game, I think we played 0-0. I can just remember that Newcastle they pressed really really hard: it was tough to get out of the back. I think 0-0 was fair for both of us.”

During his Milan career, Thiaw enjoyed playing alongside former Milan midfielder and current Newcastle maestro Sandro Tonali, and unfortunately he hasn’t yet had the opportunity to engage with his old teammate since landing in England.

“I didn’t get the time (to speak to Tonali) because everything went so quick. I had to go straight to Milan and get my things ready, my family, so I didn’t have the time yet. But of course it will be a pleasure to speak to him again.”

On what he brings to the table at Newcastle

Versatile across the entire back line, and boasting youth and European football experience, Thiaw ticks all the boxes for Howe and our recruitment team for who a perfect transfer from the continent should be.

And as strong as he looks to be now, Thiaw fully believes that Howe’s coaching can be what will take him to the very next level.

“I think I’m a modern centre-back: I’m good on the ball, good defender obviously, I’m tall with physicality, so yeah that’s my game.”

“I’m still, as you said, really young. So I think in general there’s a lot of stuff to do for me, I’m really open to learn a lot. To get to also know the style and how he wants to play, how the Premier League is, and yeah I think he can really get me to the next level to be a top, top centre-back.”

On title and trophy ambitions with Newcastle

To hear just how much Thiaw wanted to join us, particularly after the transfer window we’ve already had this summer, is a massive relief.

Having won the Supercoppa Italiana with AC Milan last season, Thiaw remains hungry for trophies and success, but expresses just how little qualifying for the Champions League actually influenced his decision to join us.

“It wasn’t the biggest factor. Of course it was nice to play Champions League, but I didn’t mention to my agent or anyone that I need to play Champions League. When I heard Newcastle, I said ‘Yeah I really want to do it’ so yeah.”

“I think I’m ready. I already got a good pre-season with AC Milan, so physically I am ready. Of course I have to know my teammates and all the plans, but I’m ready.”

“Of course I came here with ambitions, and Newcastle are an ambitious club as well. So of course I want to play as many games as possible, to help the team do some good stuff in the present and also in the future.”

“Also hopefully to win some stuff, even the Premier League, I think that’s a possibility that can be reached in the next years. You never know.”