Newcastle United have confirmed that they have reached a provisional agreement with Portuguese side Benfica for the transfer of full‑back Amar Dedic. According to sources at Sky Sports News, the Magpies are prepared to meet a fee of roughly £29.5 million to bring the 23‑year‑old Bosnian international to St James’ Park. The young defender is slated to travel to Newcastle on Monday to undergo his medical examination, after which the deal is expected to be finalised.
While a handful of administrative steps remain – such as the issuance of international clearance and the signing of a personal contract – the club’s hierarchy is optimistic that Dedic will be registered in time for the opening Premier League fixture against Liverpool next Sunday, a match that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. Should the paperwork be completed swiftly, the right‑back could be thrust straight into the squad, providing an immediate solution to the vacancy left by Kieran Trippier’s departure to Wolverhampton Wanderers on a free transfer earlier this summer. The timing of Dedic’s arrival could not be more crucial for Newcastle’s defensive line‑up. Current right‑hand option Tino Livramento is still nursing a calf strain sustained while representing England in June, and his recovery timetable remains uncertain.
In the interim, manager Matthias Jaissle – who previously coached Dedic at Red Bull Salzburg – will have a familiar player to rely upon. During their partnership in Austria, Dedic played a pivotal role in Salzburg’s successful defence of the Austrian Bundesliga title in 2023, showcasing both his defensive solidity and his ability to contribute to the attack down the flank. Amar Dedic’s résumé includes 31 senior caps for Bosnia and Herzegovina, and he featured prominently at the 2022 World Cup, starting three of the four matches his nation contested. His experience on the international stage, combined with his exposure to European competition with Benfica, equips him with the maturity and tactical awareness required for the rigours of the English top flight.
Newcastle’s pursuit of a right‑back has been a priority since the summer window opened. The loss of Trippier, who was a mainstay in the Magpies’ defence for several seasons, left a noticeable gap not only in defensive coverage but also in set‑piece delivery.
Dedic’s arrival is expected to restore balance on the right side, offering both defensive resilience and the capacity to support forward play with overlapping runs and precise crossing. Beyond the Dedic signing, Newcastle are actively engaged in negotiations for a permanent move for Joao Palhinha, the defensive midfielder currently on loan at Bayern Munich.
The club’s interest in bolstering its midfield has intensified after recent attempts to acquire Pierre‑Emile Hojbjerg and a proposed loan deal for Palhinha with Aston Villa fell through last week. Bayern have indicated that they are unwilling to loan the Portuguese midfielder out, prompting sporting director Max Eberl to clarify that a deal with Villa is off the table. Palhinha now faces a crossroads in his career.
While he could remain at Bayern, return to Portugal – where both Benfica and Sporting Lisbon have expressed interest – or seek a fresh challenge in England, his preference appears to lean toward staying in the Premier League if a suitable opportunity materialises. Newcastle’s continued interest suggests they view him as a long‑term solution to strengthen the central areas of the pitch, complementing the creative talents already at the club. The transfer saga surrounding both Dedic and Palhinha highlights Newcastle’s broader strategy under Jaissle: to reinforce key positions with players who possess both experience and the potential for growth. By securing Dedic, the Magpies not only address an immediate defensive need but also invest in a young talent who can develop further under the club’s coaching staff.
Fans can stay updated on the latest developments via the club’s official channels, as well as through the Transfer Centre LIVE app, which offers real‑time headlines and insider information on Premier League ins and outs. Additionally, supporters looking to engage with the club’s media offerings can stream Premier League matches without a long‑term contract and even participate in promotional activities such as the Super 6 competition, where participants have a chance to win up to £1 million. In summary, Newcastle United appear poised to complete the acquisition of Amar Dedic from Benfica, a move that promises to plug a crucial hole at right‑back ahead of the season opener. The club’s ongoing negotiations for Joao Palhinha further underscore their ambition to reinforce the squad across the spine of the team.
As the transfer window draws to a close, all eyes will be on the Magpies to see how these strategic signings shape their campaign in the 2024‑25 Premier League season.