Liverpool and Manchester United are reportedly monitoring Newcastle United defender Malick Thiaw ahead of the summer 2026 transfer window, with the Magpies understood to value the German international at £80 million. Former Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann has publicly urged the Anfield club to move for the 24-year-old, as first reported by TeamTalk, following Thiaw's impressive debut season on Tyneside where he emerged as one of the Premier League's most physically dominant centre-backs.
The Konate comparison and Liverpool's defensive succession
Speaking to TeamTalk, Hamann suggested Thiaw profile aligns closely with Liverpool’s current recruitment strategy for the backline. "Malick Thiaw has done well. He’s a physical player, reminds me a little bit of Konate," Hamann noted, highlighting the 1.94m defender's aerial prowess. Liverpool's interest is contextualised by long-term squad planning: Virgil van Dijk is entering the final year of his deal, and while Ibrahima Konate remains central to the project, the club requires high-level depth to manage his workload. Standing at nearly 6ft 4in, Thiaw possesses the recovery speed and physical profile that Liverpool’s scouting department prioritises for their high-defensive line.
Newcastle's valuation and market position
According to reports from TransferFeed, Newcastle have placed a £80 million (€94 million) valuation on Thiaw to reflect his rise since arriving from AC Milan in August 2025. The Magpies paid an initial fee of approximately £34 million for the defender, meaning a sale at the reported price would represent a profit of over 130% in just one season. Thiaw is currently under contract at St James' Park until June 2029, providing Newcastle with significant leverage in negotiations. However, the club’s ongoing battle with Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) — which previously necessitated the sale of Alexander Isak to Liverpool — may dictate whether they can feasibly reject a massive bid for a player who has made over 50 appearances in his first year in English football.
While Manchester United are also credited with interest by CaughtOffside, any move remains contingent on Newcastle’s willingness to part with a player Eddie Howe described as adding "real quality" to his defensive options.