Newcastle United have confirmed that they have reached a formal agreement with Portuguese giants Benfica for the permanent signing of full‑back Amar Dedic. According to sources at Sky Sports News, the transfer fee is reported to be around £29.5 million, a sum that reflects the high regard in which the 23‑year‑old Bosnian‑Herzegovinian is held. Dedic is expected to travel to Newcastle early next week to undergo his medical examination, with the club hoping to finalise all paperwork before the start of the new Premier League season.
While a few administrative steps still need to be completed, the consensus among insiders is that Dedic will be registered in time to be available for Newcastle’s opening league fixture against Liverpool, which is scheduled for next Sunday and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. The timing is crucial for the Magpies, as they have been left with a vacancy at right‑back after veteran England international Kieran Trippier departed for Wolverhampton Wanderers on a free transfer during the summer window. The arrival of Dedic could provide an immediate solution to that gap, especially given that current right‑back Tino Livramento is still on the sidelines nursing a calf strain he suffered while on international duty with England in June. Livramento’s recovery timeline remains uncertain, and manager Matthias Jaissle may be forced to rely on Dedic’s services from day one at St James’ Park.
Dedic is not an unfamiliar face to Jaissle; the two previously worked together at Red Bull Salzburg, where Dedic played a key role in the Austrian side’s successful defence of the Bundesliga title in 2023. Their shared experience and mutual understanding of each other’s tactical expectations should aid Dedic’s integration into the Premier League and help him adapt quickly to the demands of English football. Beyond his club pedigree, Dedic brings a respectable international résumé. He has already earned 31 caps for the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team and featured prominently at the 2022 World Cup, starting three of his country’s four matches in Qatar.
His blend of defensive solidity, attacking support down the flank, and experience on the world stage makes him a valuable addition to a Newcastle side that is looking to reinforce its back line while maintaining an attractive, forward‑moving style of play. The transfer also comes amid a broader period of activity in Newcastle’s transfer market. The club is reportedly still in negotiations with Bayern Munich over a permanent move for defensive midfielder João Palhinha.
Palhinha’s situation has become more complex after recent attempts to secure a loan to Aston Villa and a pursuit of Pierre‑Émile Højbjerg both fell through. Bayern have indicated they are unwilling to loan the player out, prompting sporting director Max Eberl to clarify that any deal would have to be a full transfer.
Meanwhile, Portuguese clubs Benfica and Sporting have expressed interest in Palhinha, and the midfielder is said to be weighing his options, including a possible return to Portugal or staying in the Bundesliga. However, sources suggest that Palhinha would prefer to continue his career in the Premier League if the right opportunity materialises. Newcastle’s strategic focus on the right‑back position reflects a broader ambition to solidify the squad after a busy summer of departures and arrivals.
In addition to Dedic, the club has been linked with several other potential signings, and the management team is keen to ensure that the squad depth is sufficient to compete on multiple fronts, including the domestic league, the FA Cup, and the Europa League. Fans can stay updated on the latest developments through the club’s official channels and the Transfer Centre app, which offers live updates and breaking news on all transfer activity. For those interested in watching the Premier League without a long‑term contract, streaming options are now available, providing flexible ways to follow the action.
In summary, Amar Dedic’s move to Newcastle United appears to be well‑underway, with a substantial fee agreed, a medical scheduled for early next week, and the expectation that he will be ready to feature in the opening match against Liverpool. His prior connection with manager Matthias Jaissle, combined with his international experience and proven track record at Salzburg, should help him adapt quickly to the rigours of the Premier League. As Newcastle continues to fine‑tune its squad, the addition of Dedic represents a significant step toward addressing the right‑back vacancy left by Trippier’s exit and bolstering the team’s overall defensive stability.