MADRID, SPAIN – NOVEMBER 05: Malick Thiaw of AC Milan looks on during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD4 match between Real Madrid C.F. and AC Milan at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on November 05, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Milan have conceded two goals in each of the last three matches, and Malick Thiaw’s performances with Newcastle have prompted Italian media to suggest that selling the German centre-back in the summer was a mistake, especially because Massimiliano Allegri wanted him to stay.
Thiaw joined Newcastle from Milan in a €42m deal last summer.
The Germany international has quickly become a regular starter at St. James’ Park, playing every minute across all competitions since September 21.
Thiaw had been struggling with consistency during his three-year spell at Milan, so last summer’s big sale was regarded by Italian media as an excellent piece of business for the Rossoneri.
Milan’s defensive issues
Recent matches, however, have shown the defensive fragility of the Diavoli, who haven’t yet kept a clean sheet in December, conceding two goals in each of the last three matches.
Milan replaced Thiaw with Koni De Winter last summer, but the former Genoa defender has failed to match expectations and was particularly criticised after Napoli’s 2-0 win in the Supercoppa Italiana semifinal on Thursday.
De Winter is not a starter at San Siro, but last night he replaced the injured Matteo Gabbia.
Why Thiaw joined Newcastle from Milan
As Calciomercato.com and TMW note, Milan’s decision to sell Thiaw might bring even further regret when considering that Allegri was eager to give the German regular playing time this season, as the Newcastle defender said in November: ” I had three good years at Milan, but at the end I didn’t really play that much. Allegri told me that I would’ve had a chance this season, but I wanted to try something different.”
Following eliminations from the Coppa Italia and the Supercoppa Italiana, Milan only have Serie A left to play for this season, not being involved in any European competition.
b88mys… probably targeting the Malaysian market, I reckon. If you’re over there and want a localized feel, could be worth checking out. Do your research, as always! b88mys