Liverpool are reportedly monitoring Newcastle United defender Malick Thiaw as a potential long-term successor to Ibrahima Konate, according to reports by TEAMtalk. However, Newcastle have strongly rejected suggestions that the 25-year-old Germany international will be allowed to leave St James' Park. Thiaw only joined the Magpies from AC Milan in August 2025 in a £35 million transfer and remains under contract until June 2029. Despite Newcastle's firm stance, Liverpool, Manchester United, and Bayern Munich are all credited with monitoring the centre-back, who is reportedly valued by his club between £70 million and £80 million.
Liverpool target long-term Konate successor
With Konate's current contract at Anfield set to expire at the end of the 2025-26 season, Liverpool are actively assessing senior defensive options to secure their long-term depth. Rather than promoting academy prospects to fill a critical first-team role, the club is prioritizing established European talent to sustain their competitive edge at the top of the Premier League. Thiaw's imposing physical profile and tactical versatility make him an attractive candidate for Liverpool's defensive structure, although no formal approach has been made.
Newcastle hold firm on Thiaw valuation
Any potential deal will require a massive premium, with Newcastle under no pressure to sell their prized defender. Speaking to TEAMtalk, a well-placed Newcastle source insisted: "Malick has been superb, no denying that, but suggestions he could be leaving are way off the mark." Because AC Milan did not negotiate a sell-on clause when they sold Thiaw to Newcastle, the Tyneside club would retain 100 per cent of any future fee. With his contract running for another three years, Newcastle are in a position to easily rebuff outside interest.
