Former Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann has encouraged the club to target Newcastle United centre-back Malick Thiaw, a player reportedly valued at £80 million by the Magpies. The 24-year-old German international, who joined Newcastle from AC Milan for £30 million in August 2025, has emerged as a potential solution for a Liverpool side facing a significant transition in their defensive ranks. According to reports from TEAMtalk, Newcastle may seek a profit of nearly £50 million on the defender following a difficult domestic campaign that has increased pressure on their Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) compliance.
Thiaw’s profile and Hamann’s recommendation
Speaking to Liverpool.com, Hamann described Thiaw as a "talented" and "physical" defender who shares stylistic traits with current Anfield regular Ibrahima Konate. Despite Newcastle’s recent collective struggles on the pitch, Thiaw was a consistent presence during the 2025/26 season, making 50 appearances across all competitions and contributing five goals. Hamann noted that while playing in a struggling side has not helped the defender's reputation, his individual attributes make him a player Liverpool must have on their radar. This recommendation comes as Liverpool are also understood to be monitoring Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck, indicating a clear strategy to inject youth into the backline.
Strategic necessity at Anfield and St James' Park
The interest in Thiaw aligns with a broader squad refresh at Liverpool. By the summer of 2026, cornerstone figures Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez will reportedly be entering the final 12 months of their contracts. While Konate is expected to agree an extension, securing a long-term partner is a priority for the recruitment team. For Newcastle, the situation is dictated by financial pragmatism. Having failed to secure high-level European football and facing strict spending limits, the club is under pressure to generate capital. Thiaw’s contract, which runs until 2029, gives Newcastle significant leverage in negotiations, though the need for a major sale could force their hand if a concrete bid near their £80 million valuation materialises.
Negotiations for Thiaw are yet to reach a formal stage, but the defender is expected to be a primary focus when the summer transfer window opens.