Malick Thiaw on what Sandro Tonali said to him about Newcastle United and the City

Malick Thiaw and Sandro Tonali were teammates at AC Milan.

Then the Italy international midfielder moved to Newcastle United in summer 2023.

Malick Thiaw had been a long-term target for Eddie Howe as well, with the Germany international eventually landed in August 2025.

The pair of them have arguably been Newcastle United’s best performers this season so far.

Malick Thiaw looking like the bargain of this summer transfer window, costing only an initial £30m, with another £4m potentially to be paid in future add-ons.

The Newcastle United defender has now been talking his summer move to a website specialising on AC Milan.

Malick Thiaw speaking to PianetaMilan.it about moving from AC Milan to Newcastle United:

Was it your decision to move from Milan to Newcastle?

Malick Thiaw:

“I decided to go to Newcastle.

“Yes, I’m happy.”

Was it impossible to say no to the Premier League, the Champions League?

Malick Thiaw:

“Milan is a great club, it was difficult, but I thought it was the right time to try something new.

“So I heard from Newcastle and finally said yes.”

Did Sandro Tonali, your former teammate at Milan, play a key role in convincing you to leave?

Malick Thiaw:

“No, I didn’t speak to him, when I was [still] in Milan.

“When I arrived in England, he explained to me that Newcastle is a great city, the club is great, not like Milan, but it is nice, the fans are incredible.”

The fans hotter than Milan?

Malick Thiaw:

“Difficult, AC Milan fans are incredible.”

My thoughts

Two brilliant Eddie Howe signings that are most definitely Newcastle United’s gain and AC Milan’s loss.

To sign the pair for around £85m is incredible business and no wonder AC Milan fans are gutted about losing both of them.

The two signings from AC Milan also have their best years still ahead of them, Sandro Tonali aged 25, whilst Malick Thiaw is 24.