Newcastle United are once again interested in Malick Thiaw. If the German international does end up moving to the Premier League, FC Schalke 04 would also benefit
Following the appointment of head coach Paulo Fonseca and senior advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic, AC Milan are working on a team that will play for titles again next season if possible. As the central defense in particular was a problem last season, the search is on for reinforcements.
Strahinja Pavlovic from RB Salzburg is high on the list. The Serbian international (38 caps, four goals) is said to have already reached an agreement with Milan, but the transfer fee is still a topic of discussion. The Austrian runners-up are likely to demand at least 20 million euros.
Because Ibrahimovic insists on a small squad, it is not unlikely that Milan will give up a defender in the event of a Pavlovic transfer. It is quite possible that Malick Thiaw will then be discussed. The three-time German senior international is not said to be an explicit candidate for sale, but Milan would be willing to talk if a suitable transfer fee were paid.
A suitable buyer would also be found, as Newcastle United have renewed their interest in Thiaw according to English and Italian media reports. Magpies coach Eddie Howe has identified a central defender with a strong right foot as one of his two key transfer targets this summer
At least 40 million euros?
Newcastle have been tracking Thiaw for some time, according to The Athletic, and are said to be preparing an initial offer. Initial contact has probably already been made with Milan. The Rossoneri are looking at a sum of at least €40 million for the Düsseldorf player, who is still tied up until 2027.
The aforementioned figures are sure to raise eyebrows among FC Schalke 04 officials and fans, who sold their defensive gem to Milan for ten million euros in August 2022. A resale share of around ten percent was included in the deal. The Schalke players can therefore look forward to a sum in the millions