Newcastle United have confirmed that they have struck a deal with Portuguese side Benfica to bring the 23‑year‑old defender Amar Dedic to St James' Park. According to sources at Sky Sports News, the transfer fee is reported to be in the region of £29.5 million, a figure that reflects the high regard in which the English club holds the young right‑back.
Dedic is expected to travel to Newcastle on Monday to undergo his medical examination, after which the paperwork will be finalised and the move completed. While a few administrative steps remain, the club’s hierarchy is optimistic that the signing will be completed in time for the season‑opening Premier League fixture against Liverpool, scheduled for next Sunday and broadcast live on Sky Sports. If all goes to plan, Dedic could be on the squad sheet for that high‑profile clash, providing a fresh option at right‑back as Newcastle look to replace the departing Kieran Trippier.
Trippier’s exit to Wolverhampton Wanderers on a free transfer left a noticeable gap in Newcastle’s defensive line‑up, and the club have been actively searching for a suitable replacement. Dedic, who previously worked under Newcastle head coach Matthias Jaissle at Red Bull Salzburg, is a familiar face for the coaching staff. During his time in Austria, Dedic played a key role in Salzburg’s successful defence of the Austrian Bundesliga title in 2023, demonstrating both defensive solidity and an ability to contribute to the attack down the flank. The right‑back’s arrival also comes at a time when Newcastle’s current first‑choice option, Tino Livramento, is nursing a calf injury sustained while on international duty with England in June.
Livramento’s recovery timeline remains uncertain, and the club will likely look to Dedic to fill the void should the youngster be unavailable for the opening games of the campaign. Amar Dedic is an international player for Bosnia and Herzegovina, having earned 31 caps for his country. He featured prominently at the 2022 World Cup, starting three of Bosnia’s four matches and gaining valuable experience on football’s biggest stage. His blend of defensive awareness, pace, and willingness to support the attack aligns well with the modern demands placed on full‑backs in the Premier League.
In addition to the Dedic signing, Newcastle have been linked with a permanent move for Joao Palhinha, the Portuguese defensive midfielder currently on loan at Bayern Munich. The club’s pursuit of a midfield reinforcement intensified after earlier attempts to secure Pierre‑Emile Hojbjerg and a proposed loan for Palhinha from Aston Villa fell through last week. Bayern have made it clear they are not interested in a loan arrangement for Palhinha, prompting sporting director Max Eberl to state that a deal with Villa would not materialise. Palhinha now faces a crossroads, with options that include remaining at Bayern, returning to his native Portugal, or exploring interest from other clubs such as Benfica and Sporting CP.
However, indications suggest that the midfielder would prefer to stay in England’s top flight if the right opportunity arises, a scenario that could see him join Newcastle in the near future. The acquisition of Dedic underscores Newcastle’s broader strategy to reinforce key areas of the squad ahead of the new season. By securing a player who is already familiar with head coach Jaissle’s tactical philosophy, the club hopes to ensure a smoother transition and immediate impact on the pitch.
Moreover, the addition of an experienced international defender adds depth and competition to the right‑back position, offering the manager flexibility in rotation and tactical setups. Fans can stay up‑to‑date with the latest transfer developments through the club’s official channels, as well as by following the Transfer Centre LIVE app on their mobile devices. The platform provides real‑time headlines, Premier League ins and outs, and even offers streaming options for matches without a contract commitment. As the Premier League countdown continues, Newcastle United are positioning themselves to compete at the highest level, bolstering both their defensive line and midfield options.
With Dedic’s medical pending and the potential for Palhinha’s move to materialise, the Magpies are set to enter the new campaign with renewed optimism and a squad that reflects their ambition to challenge for European places. For those looking for extra excitement, the club’s promotional activities include a Super 6 competition where participants can enter for free for a chance to win £1 million, adding an extra layer of engagement for supporters throughout the season.