2 days ago
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AC Milan tried until the very end to get Malick Thiaw to stay at the club and renew his contract, according to a report, but he was already set on joining Newcastle.
The negotiations between Milan and Newcastle were closed rather quickly in the end, following an offer of around €40m, but the path to get there wasn’t clear-cut. After positive indications during pre-season, in fact, Max Allegri was growing quite fond of the player.
It’s one of several reasons why Milan upped the price tag from €25m, which they had agreed on with Como, to around €35m-40m. But even when faced with so much money, the Rossoneri didn’t exactly cheer when they accepted the offer.
A renewal and a key role
According to Sky Italia, via Gianluca Di Marzio, sporting director Igli Tare and Allegri tried to convince Thiaw to stay. A contract renewal with a significant pay rise was put on the table, as well as a leading role in the team, but the German defender ‘had already chosen Newcastle’.
In light of that, Milan decided to accept Newcastle’s offer once the English side reached the necessary figures. For Thiaw, the Champions League factor certainly played a big part as that’s why he rejected Como earlier in the summer (despite a hefty contract offer).
Now, Milan will have to find a replacement before the end of the transfer window. They will have the funds to do so, but at the same time, selling clubs can thus demand a high fee.
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