Malick Thiaw has a habit of showing up when Newcastle need him most. The 25-year-old centre-back scored an equalizer against Bayer Leverkusen in a pre-season friendly on August 15, pulling the Magpies level against the Bundesliga side as both clubs ramp up preparations for the new campaign.
For a player who spent part of his youth development at Leverkusen, the goal carries a satisfying narrative weight.
From Milan to Tyneside to match-winner
Born in Dusseldorf on August 8, 2001, Thiaw came through the ranks at several clubs before making his name at AC Milan. Newcastle came calling in August 2025, paying a base fee of £30M with an additional £4.3M in performance-related add-ons to bring the versatile defender to St James’ Park.
Since pulling on the number 12 shirt, Thiaw has proven he’s far more than a defensive body. His standout moment last season came on November 29, 2025, when he scored twice in a 4-1 demolition of Everton, earning Player of the Match honors in the process.
