Liverpool and Manchester United Monitor Newcastle Centre-Back Malick Thiaw Ahead of 2027 Defensive Reshuffle

Liverpool and Manchester United are both monitoring Newcastle United defender Malick Thiaw. The two clubs have begun planning for major defensive changes in 2027, with the 25-year-old Germany international now on their radar.

After Thiaw moved from AC Milan to St James' Park in 2025, he became a regular starter under Jaisle. His Premier League experience, physicality and ability to defend space have attracted the interest of both clubs, who are looking for long-term options at centre-back.

Liverpool view Thiaw as one potential successor to Virgil van Dijk, while Manchester United are also closely tracking his development. According to an exclusive report from CaughtOffside, neither side has held any negotiations or made direct contact at this stage, but both are expected to continue sending scouts to watch him throughout the season.

Liverpool's interest is understandable. Van Dijk remains important but is now 35, and the Reds need to begin planning for the defence after their captain. Araujo is currently on loan from Barcelona and could join permanently, but Iraola may still want a centre-back in his prime.

Manchester United are likewise expected to make defence a priority next summer. The long-term futures of Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt are all uncertain.

The biggest obstacle comes from Newcastle. The club reportedly have no intention of selling Thiaw and would demand around £65 million to £70 million. Newcastle sporting director Ross Wilson has acknowledged the importance of player trading to the club's long-term strategy. The Guardian reported that, after raising a significant amount of money through player sales this summer, Newcastle are expected to continue conducting transfers strategically.

Thiaw stands 6 feet 4 inches tall and excels in aerial duels and physical contests, while also possessing the recovery pace to get back into position. That means he can cover the large spaces that could appear behind Iraola's aggressive defensive line. His Premier League experience is another advantage.

Pairing Thiaw with Araujo could give Liverpool the foundation of their defence for the post-Van Dijk era. Both are physically strong, capable in one-on-one defending and young enough to remain important over multiple seasons.

The price is the obvious concern. £65 million to £70 million is a substantial sum for a centre-back, especially if Liverpool also have to activate Araujo's purchase option. But replacing Van Dijk was never going to be cheap.