Newcastle United have added pace, versatility and a long-term spine to their defence with the arrival of Malick Thiaw, a 24-year-old Germany international who fits Eddie Howe’s blueprint for a modern centre-back.
Thiaw stands at 6ft 4in and combines height with genuine pace, enabling him to operate effectively in Newcastle’s preferred high defensive line. He is comfortable on either side of a central pairing and has experience in the middle of a back three, notably during the 2022-23 season. Technically adept, he can unlock play with line-breaking passes and diagonal switches of play, a facet highlighted by his numbers in the 2024-25 Serie A campaign, where he ranked inside the top 10 for long passes completed per game (an average of 3.5) and posted a passing accuracy of 93.6%, with only two defenders bettering him in Italy.
The signing comes as a clear response to Newcastle’s need for youth and durability in central defence, particularly with Dan Burn, Jamaal Lascelles and Fabian Schar all in their 30s and Sven Botman carrying injury interruptions. Thiaw, who has just turned 24, is viewed as a long-term successor to Schar rather than an immediate replacement, bringing a fresh option that can grow under Howe’s guidance and help shape Newcastle’s defensive framework for years to come.
Key facts at a glance:
– Height and pace enable a high-line system
– Flexible deployment as right- or left-sided centre-back or as part of a back three
– Strong passer with 3.5 long passes per game and 93.6% passing accuracy in Serie A last season
– Young, with room to develop within Howe’s methods
What this means for Newcastle:
– Added defensive depth and a future-proof option at the heart of the back line
– Potential pairing with Sven Botman to form a robust, mobile centre-back duo
– A defender who can contribute to build-up play as well as stability at the back
Overall, Thiaw’s blend of physical presence, technical skill and age makes him a promising fit for Howe’s system, offering both immediate utility and long-term potential. His arrival injects optimism about a younger, more versatile spine for Newcastle as they look to balance success on the pitch with sustainable development off it.