Newcastle United have officially sealed a deal with Portuguese side Benfica to bring the 23‑year‑old Bosnian right‑back 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 figure that reflects both Dedic's potential and the urgency with which the Magpies are looking to reinforce their back line.
The young defender is slated to travel to Newcastle on Monday for his medical examination, a procedural step that will confirm the completion of the agreement. While a few administrative formalities remain – such as the issuance of a work permit and the finalisation of personal terms – the club’s hierarchy is confident that Dedic will be registered in time for the opening match of the Premier League season, a high‑profile clash against Liverpool that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. If the paperwork is processed swiftly, Dedic could be thrust into action almost immediately.
Newcastle’s current first‑choice right‑back, Tino Livramento, is still nursing a calf strain he picked up while representing England in June. The injury has kept Livramento out of training, and manager Matthias Jaissle will likely rely on Dedic to fill the vacancy until the youngster is fully fit again. This scenario offers Dedic a prime opportunity to cement his place in the starting eleven from day one. The connection between Jaissle and Dedic is not new.
Both worked together at Red Bull Salzburg during the 2022‑23 season, a campaign in which Salzburg secured a second consecutive Austrian Bundesliga title. Jaissle praised Dedic’s tactical awareness, stamina and ability to contribute both defensively and offensively, qualities that made him an integral part of Salzburg’s success. Re‑uniting at Newcastle should ease Dedic’s adaptation to the Premier League, as he will already be familiar with Jaissle’s demanding pressing style and the emphasis on quick transitions.
Newcastle’s pursuit of a new right‑back has been a priority since the departure of veteran England international Kieran Trippier, who left on a free transfer to Wolverhampton Wanderers earlier this summer. Trippier’s exit left a noticeable gap in the Magpies’ defensive line, prompting the club to explore several options before settling on Dedic as the most suitable long‑term solution.
Beyond the right‑back position, Newcastle have been active in the transfer market on other fronts. The club is currently engaged in negotiations with Bayern Munich over a permanent move for defensive midfielder João Palhinha. Palhinha, who has been linked with a loan to Aston Villa, saw those talks collapse after Bayern made it clear they would not sanction a temporary move. Sporting director Max Eberl confirmed that Bayern prefers to keep the player within their own squad, effectively ending any loan arrangement with Villa.
Palhinha, a Portugal international with 31 caps and three starts at the 2022 World Cup, now faces a crossroads. While Benfica and Sporting CP have both expressed interest in signing him, the midfielder has hinted that remaining in the Premier League would be his preferred path if the right opportunity materialises. This ambition aligns with Newcastle’s own desire to bolster their midfield depth, especially after the club’s recent attempts to acquire Pierre‑Emile Hojbjerg fell through. The broader context of Newcastle’s transfer activity highlights a strategic shift under Jaissle’s leadership.
The manager, who arrived from Salzburg in the summer, is reshaping the squad to mirror the high‑pressing, possession‑based philosophy that brought him success in Austria. By securing Dedic, who is comfortable on the ball and adept at joining attacks, Newcastle aim to add width and dynamism to their right flank, a tactical nuance that could prove decisive against top‑flight opponents.
In addition to the on‑field implications, Dedic’s arrival is expected to generate excitement among the club’s supporters. The right‑back’s international experience – including participation in the 2022 FIFA World Cup where he started three of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s four matches – adds a layer of pedigree that many fans find reassuring. His reputation for disciplined defending, combined with an ability to deliver accurate crosses, fits the profile of a modern full‑back who can contribute to both defensive solidity and attacking creativity. The transfer also reflects Newcastle’s broader financial commitment to competing at the highest level.
A £29.5 million outlay for a 23‑year‑old defender signals the club’s willingness to invest in young talent with resale potential, while simultaneously addressing immediate squad needs. This approach mirrors the club’s recent activity, which has seen significant spending on players across the defensive and midfield lines.
Looking ahead, the Magpies will aim to integrate Dedic quickly into pre‑season preparations. Training sessions at the club’s state‑of‑the‑art facilities will focus on familiarising him with Jaissle’s tactical setups, set‑piece routines, and the physical demands of the Premier League. If all goes to plan, fans can expect to see Dedic donning the black and white shirt for the season opener against Liverpool – a match that will serve as a litmus test for both the new signing and the revamped Newcastle side. Beyond the immediate impact, Dedic’s signing may also influence future transfer strategies.
Success with a player who has previously worked under the current manager could encourage Newcastle to pursue other talents with similar backgrounds, fostering a cohesive squad culture built around shared experiences and tactical understanding. In summary, Newcastle United’s agreement to sign Amar Dedic from Benfica represents a calculated move to fill a crucial defensive vacancy, reinforce the club’s tactical vision, and signal its ambition in the Premier League.
With the medical set for Monday and the transfer window nearing its close, all eyes will be on St James' Park to see whether Dedic can quickly adapt, contribute, and help the Magpies launch a competitive campaign against the league’s elite.