He’s only played a number of games, and was a relatively under the radar transfer when you consider everything that happened in the Premier League over the summer, but it’s safe to say that Malick Thiaw is already looking like one of the best buys any club has made in 2025.
The young German has dazzled in defence, and his performances have attracted praise from both his new teammates and the Toon fanbase.
And in a new interview with BeIN Sports, Thiaw expressed just how he happy he is with the start to his Newcastle career, with particular thanks being shown to the fans; who have clearly blown him away so far!
🗣️ “It’s incredible… I was expecting great, but even I was surprised with the fans – every ball, every duel, it’s crazy!” ⚫️⚪️
Malick Thiaw on the St. James’ Park atmosphere, life in Newcastle, and his teammate Nick Woltemade!
🎤 @AndyKerrtv#beINPL #NUFC pic.twitter.com/kXd3c56GNs
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) October 7, 2025
On adjusting to life at Newcastle
Thrown into the deep end almost immediately upon arrival, and deputising for an injured Fabian Schar, Thiaw could very easily have succumbed to early pressure and showed signs of being heavily unsettled on Tyneside.
In fact, it’s been quite the opposite, and Thiaw says he is immensely happy with life as a Newcastle United player after his move from AC Milan.
“I think I’ve settled in really well, outside of the pitch as well as inside of the pitch. The people here are really welcoming, they made me feel really welcomed. So yeah I’m really happy here and my family are as well.”
“I think you cannot be as focused on football because you also have a life outside of football and it comes together. I think in both ways I’m really happy here.”
On role as a defender at Newcastle versus old clubs
Making the move from the Bundesliga to the Serie A to the Premier League is quite the career path, and the different defensive styles is difficult for any defender to adapt to.
And Thiaw has admitted that English football has got him playing completely differently compared to how he played in Milan.
“I think the way we are playing is really intense, much more intense than the football in Germany and Italy.”
“You have more man marking, you’re defending the whole pitch sometimes, that means you have to be more attentive sometimes. You have to run more, you have to sprint more.”
First impressions of St James’ Park
Having played some huge games at the San Siro, Thiaw has admitted even he didn’t know what to truly expect from the crowd now he’s arrived at St James’ Park.
Given his own chant by the fans, fans have applauded almost every move he and Sven Botman have made so far this season, which has made the German truly appreciate having the backing of the home crowd.
“I have to say it’s incredible. I heard already that it is great.
“I was expecting great, but even I was so surprised on how the fans are going on every ball, on every duel, it’s crazy! I never saw something like that.”
On Nick Woltemade’s performances at striker
When asked about his compatriot Nick Woltemade, who also came to us with high expectations, but with the added difficult of leaving their native Germany for the first time, Thiaw is delighted for the striker on just how he easily he too has settled.
”I think it was really important for him to have a good start, and he scored directly so it made it way easier for him.
“He’s a great player, there’s no discussion about that, I think he’s already shown it, everybody knows that.”
“But of course, if you come as a 9, it comes with pressure on your back. So it was really important for him to score, and now he can just play his game and show people what he can do for this club.”
Captain Bruno Guimaraes has spoken previously about how impressed he has been with the duo’s start to life in black and white, with Thiaw equally as aghast as the captain with watching Woltemade and how different he is to not only Alexander Isak, but every striker in the Premier League.
“I think everyone here around this club will be very very happy with his performances.”
“I never saw one striker that tall that good on the ball. His technique is amazing.”
