Newcastle United have confirmed that they have reached a formal agreement with Portuguese giants Benfica to bring the 23-year-old Bosnian defender Amar Dedic to St James' Park. According to sources at Sky Sports News, the transfer fee is reported to be around £29.5 million, a substantial outlay for a player who primarily operates as a right‑back. Dedic is expected to travel to Newcastle on Monday for a medical examination, after which the paperwork will be finalised and the move completed. While a few administrative steps remain – such as the issuance of an international transfer certificate and the signing of a personal contract – the club’s hierarchy are confident that the signing will be completed in time for the Magpies’ opening Premier League fixture against Liverpool next Sunday, a match that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
If all goes to plan, Dedic could be listed in the squad sheet for that high‑profile encounter, providing manager Matthias Jaissle with an immediate solution at the back. The timing of the acquisition is particularly significant because Newcastle’s current first‑choice right‑back, Tino Livramento, is still on the sidelines. Livramento suffered a calf strain while on international duty with England in June and has been undergoing a gradual rehabilitation programme. Should his recovery take longer than expected, Dedic will be thrust into the starting eleven, offering both defensive solidity and the ability to contribute to the attack down the flank.
Dedic is not an unfamiliar face to Jaissle. The two previously worked together at Red Bull Salzburg, where Dedic was a key component of the squad that retained the Austrian Bundesliga title in 2023. Their shared experience means that the player already understands the coach’s tactical philosophy, high‑pressing style, and the importance of quick transitions – attributes that should help him settle quickly into Newcastle’s system.
The signing also addresses a clear need that emerged after the departure of veteran right‑back Kieran Trippier, who left the club on a free transfer to join Wolverhampton Wanderers over the summer. Trippier’s exit left a void not only in terms of defensive reliability but also in leadership and set‑piece expertise. Dedic, who has already amassed 31 caps for Bosnia and Herzegovina and featured in three of the nation’s four matches at the recent World Cup, brings a blend of international experience and youthful energy that Newcastle hope will fill that gap. Beyond the right‑back position, Newcastle have been active in the transfer market on other fronts.
The club is reportedly in advanced talks with Bayern Munich over a permanent move for defensive midfielder João Palhinha. The Magpies have been keen to bolster their midfield after earlier attempts to secure Pierre‑Emile Højbjerg and a proposed loan for Palhinha from Aston Villa fell through in the preceding week. Bayern have indicated a reluctance to loan out Palhinha, prompting sporting director Max Eberl to clarify that a loan arrangement with Villa would not be feasible.
Palhinha, who has been a regular for both Bayern and the Portuguese national team, is now reassessing his options. Interest has been expressed by several clubs, including his former side Benfica and Sporting CP, as well as the possibility of returning to Portugal. However, sources suggest that the midfielder prefers to stay in the Premier League if a suitable offer materialises, reflecting his desire to test himself in England’s highly competitive environment. Returning to Dedic, his international résumé adds further depth to Newcastle’s squad.
The Bosnian right‑back has featured prominently for his country, earning 31 caps and playing a pivotal role in their World Cup campaign. His performances on the biggest stage have demonstrated his composure under pressure, his ability to read the game, and his willingness to support attacks by overlapping down the wing. These qualities align well with Newcastle’s aim to become more dynamic in the final third while maintaining defensive resilience.
In summary, the deal for Amar Dedic represents a strategic move by Newcastle United to reinforce a key defensive position, capitalize on a player familiar with the manager’s tactics, and mitigate the loss of a seasoned veteran. With the medical scheduled for Monday and the expectation that paperwork will be signed shortly thereafter, fans can anticipate seeing Dedic in a Newcastle shirt as early as the season opener against Liverpool. Meanwhile, the club continues to explore midfield reinforcements, with João Palhinha remaining a top target.
The summer transfer window has thus far been busy for the Magpies, and the upcoming weeks will reveal whether these acquisitions translate into on‑field success as they embark on the new Premier League campaign.