Did Newcastle Really Secure Thiaw While Ramsey Deal Approaches?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Newcastle United signs Malick Thiaw for £34.5 million.
- Thiaw is the third major summer signing for the club.
- Manager Eddie Howe played a key role in Thiaw's decision to join.
- Speculation surrounds Alexander Isak's future at the club.
- Newcastle is also pursuing Jacob Ramsey from Aston Villa.
London, Aug 13 (NationPress) Newcastle United has strengthened their defense by acquiring German international Malick Thiaw from AC Milan for a reported fee of 34.5 million pounds (equivalent to 46 million U.S. dollars) on Wednesday.
The 24-year-old centre-back marks Newcastle's third significant summer acquisition, following the signing of winger Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest and goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale from Southampton, as per reports from Xinhua.
Thiaw mentioned that manager Eddie Howe persuaded him to join despite a tumultuous transfer window for Newcastle, which has been rife with speculation regarding top scorer Alexander Isak's future and unsuccessful attempts to sign forwards Hugo Ekitike and Benjamin Sesko. Ekitike has transferred to Liverpool, while Sesko has committed to Manchester United.
"The manager presented his vision for both me and the club, which is truly exciting," Thiaw stated in a club announcement. "Newcastle is a prominent club with enthusiastic fans, and I am eager to play at St James' Park."
Moreover, Newcastle is reportedly nearing a deal for Aston Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey, according to various sources.
As noted in a report by The Athletic, Isak has expressed no intention of returning to Newcastle. He has been training separately from the squad and considers his time at St James’ Park over, showing no interest in reintegrating.
Reports indicate that Liverpool made an offer around 110 million pounds, which was swiftly rejected by Newcastle United, who are seeking closer to 150 million pounds.
Isak significantly contributed to Newcastle's impressive season, netting 27 goals across 42 matches in all competitions, helping secure UCL football for the upcoming season and ending the club's trophy drought with a victory in the Carabao Cup.
In other Premier League transactions, Bournemouth has signed French defender Bafode Diakite from Lille to fill the void left by departed centre-backs Illia Zabarnyi, Dean Huijsen, and Milos Kerkez.