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Malick Thiaw has a habit of showing up when Newcastle need him most. The 25-year-old centre-back scored an equalizer against Bayer Leverkusen in a pre-season friendly on August 15, pulling the Magpies level against the Bundesliga side as both clubs ramp up preparations for the new campaign.
For a player who spent part of his youth development at Leverkusen, the goal carries a satisfying narrative weight.
From Milan to Tyneside to match-winner
Born in Dusseldorf on August 8, 2001, Thiaw came through the ranks at several clubs before making his name at AC Milan. Newcastle came calling in August 2025, paying a base fee of £30M with an additional £4.3M in performance-related add-ons to bring the versatile defender to St James’ Park.
Since pulling on the number 12 shirt, Thiaw has proven he’s far more than a defensive body. His standout moment last season came on November 29, 2025, when he scored twice in a 4-1 demolition of Everton, earning Player of the Match honors in the process.
History with Leverkusen adds an extra layer
Thiaw spent time with Bayer Leverkusen during his development years, making the fixture a personal reunion of sorts. This isn’t the first time Newcastle and Leverkusen have traded blows recently, either. The two sides met in the Champions League group stage on December 10, 2025, grinding out a 2-2 draw. Thiaw featured in that match but didn’t find the scoresheet. This time around, he made sure his name was on it.
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