Malick Thiaw’s rapid rise at Newcastle United has not gone unnoticed, with Manchester United reportedly monitoring the defender ahead of the summer window.
Signed from AC Milan for £35m last summer, the Germany international has quickly established himself as a regular starter in the Premier League.
Thiaw’s consistency has placed him among the Premier League’s more highly rated center-backs, and that might force Newcastle’s hand to sell the center back next summer.
“The Germany international has been
an excellent signing, brought in from AC Milan for just £35m last summer,” The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards said. “The centre-back has adapted swiftly to the Premier League and has started almost every game this season.”
That adaptation has fueled transfer talk, but it’s not likely the Magpies let him go easily come July.
“His impressive form has swiftly led to rumours he is on the wanted list of Manchester United, who need a replacement for Harry Maguire,” Edwards said.
The problem for Newcastle seems to be the broader context in which they sold Alexander Isak to Liverpool last summer, fostering speculation around whether other star players could depart.
“Ever since Alexander Isak downed tools and forced his departure to Liverpool last summer, there has been a steady flow of stories speculating which player will be next to leave Newcastle United,” Edwards said. “As a result, the perception in football is that Newcastle are now a selling club and their prized assets can be picked off like low-hanging fruit.”
Despite the outside interest, Thiaw’s situation appears stable in Edwards’ eyes.
“It is difficult to envisage Newcastle considering a sale so soon after he arrived,” Edwards said.
With a reported valuation of £80m and no suggestion of agitation from the player, Edwards’ conclusion was firm, writing, “Verdict: Stays.”
