Newcastle United has completed the signing of German centre-back Malick Thiaw from AC Milan, the clubs confirmed on 12 August. The Premier League side will pay a €40 million package, consisting of a €36 million fixed fee and €4 million in performance-related add-ons. Thiaw agreed a four-year contract after passing his medical on 11 August. The deal ends a brief but rapid negotiating process that accelerated on 9 August, when the two clubs moved to finalise terms following Newcastle’s improved offer. Reports indicated at least one Premier League rival explored a late move, but Newcastle secured the 23-year-old defender to bolster manager Eddie Howe’s back line ahead of the new season.