Newcastle United’s Eddie Howe and his recruitment team are making strategic moves to address their defensive needs. The club has secured promising talents in Sven Botman and Malick Thiaw, marking a significant shift as they seek their long-term successors for veteran players Dan Burn and Fabian Schar.
Thiaw’s Impact and Transfer Details
Malick Thiaw, acquired for £34 million from AC Milan, has quickly integrated into Newcastle’s squad. Since his arrival, he has received praise from fans and analysts alike for his performances in the Premier League.
Unprecedented Signing Opportunity
Unlike many top clubs like Liverpool and Manchester City facing uncertainty, Newcastle managed to sign Thiaw with little competition. Interestingly, some AC Milan fans expressed disbelief at the sale price, highlighting the deal’s perceived value. Howe acknowledged the surprise in securing Thiaw’s signature, stating, “He was playing at a top club as well. Whether he was ever going to be available was unclear.”
Defensive Strength and Future Prospects
Thiaw’s addition, alongside Botman, has formed a formidable defensive duo. Their synergy has contributed to Newcastle’s success, including four clean sheets in six starts across all competitions. Thiaw has even managed to keep Schar out of the starting lineup, demonstrating his significant impact.
- £34 million transfer from AC Milan
- Four clean sheets in six starts
- Strong pairing with Sven Botman
Market Value and Future Signings
The combined cost for Thiaw and Botman is approximately £70 million. In the context of today’s inflated transfer market, this is considered excellent value. Analysts and fans are optimistic that Thiaw will serve as a reminder for future recruitment strategies.
Newcastle aims to prioritize talents from the continent over inflated Premier League prices, reinforcing their commitment to building a competitive team for years to come.
