FC Schalke 04 agree Malick Thiaw transfer to AC Milan

“It was a difficult decision for us to let Malick go. He is a home-grown talent, a product of our Knappenschmiede, and has developed fantastically over the past years. He would have been an asset to our squad,” said sporting director Rouven Schröder. “We also need to consider the financial element when it comes to decisions like this – just like last winter when we rejected a transfer offer. The circumstances are different this time and it made sense financially for us to agree to the deal.”

This positive result was achieved in close coordination with the financial department. Board member for finance Christina Rühl-Hamers said: “The transfer fee for Malick Thiaw allows us to meet our financial targets proposed at the start of the window. It offers us more room to manoeuvre financially when it comes to other issues and challenges that still lie ahead.”

As well as running the negotiations with AC Milan, Schröder also worked with the scouting department to begin the search for defensive reinforcements: “Our plan is to dip into the transfer market for a centre-back in order to keep the competition for places in the squad high. We have some good lads who want Malick’s spot in the team and they will put up a tough fight. I’m confident that we will add a player to the squad soon.”

Malick Thiaw leaves Schalke 04 after seven years with a heavy heart: “I’m looking forward to the new challenge in Milan. I want to express my gratitude to everyone at FC Schalke 04 who has helped me along my journey – all the of management, the coaches, advisors, staff and teammates that I have been able to experience special moments with. I would also like to explicitly thank the Schalke fans – I wouldn’t have been able to make this journey without their support. Schalke 04 will always remain a special club for me that will always be close to my heart.”

The 21-year-old arrived at Schalke from Borussia Mönchengladbach in summer 2015 and worked his way through the Knappenschmiede academy. He made his Bundesliga debut in a 1-1 draw with TSG Hoffenheim in March 2020, going on to play a total of 61 competitive games for the Royal Blues. The defender was also a European U21 Championship winner with Germany in 2021.