Newcastle United have confirmed that they have struck a deal with Portuguese giants Benfica to bring the 23‑year‑old Bosnian full‑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 age and the potential the club sees in him as a long‑term solution at right‑back. The young defender is expected to travel to Newcastle on Monday for his medical assessment, after which the paperwork will be finalised and the move completed. While a few administrative steps remain – such as the registration with the Premier League and the issuance of an international transfer certificate – the consensus among Newcastle insiders is that Dedic will be fully registered in time for the club’s opening league fixture against Liverpool next Sunday, a match that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Should everything go to plan, the Bosnian international could be named in the starting eleven for one of the most high‑profile games of the season, a testament to how quickly the Magpies have moved to plug the vacancy left by the departure of veteran right‑back Kieran Trippier. Trippier’s exit to Wolverhampton Wanderers on a free transfer over the summer left a significant gap in Newcastle’s defensive line‑up, particularly on the flank where his experience and crossing ability had been a key component of the team’s attacking play.
The club’s scouting department identified Dedic as a player who could not only fill that gap but also add a different dimension to the side’s defensive structure. Dedic is a right‑footed full‑back known for his pace, stamina and ability to contribute both defensively and offensively.
He has already demonstrated a knack for getting forward, delivering accurate crosses, and supporting the attack, attributes that fit well with manager Matthias Jaissle’s preferred style of high‑pressing, possession‑based football. The connection between Dedic and Jaissle is not incidental.
The two previously worked together at Red Bull Salzburg, where Jaissle was part of the coaching staff that helped the Austrian side secure the Bundesliga title in 2023. During that campaign, Dedic was a regular starter at right‑back, playing a pivotal role in a back line that combined solid defensive organisation with an aggressive, forward‑moving approach. His experience in a championship‑winning environment is expected to be invaluable for a Newcastle side that is eager to challenge for European places in the Premier League.
In addition to his club credentials, Dedic brings a respectable international résumé. He has earned 31 caps for Bosnia and Herzegovina and featured prominently at the 2022 World Cup, starting three of his nation’s four matches in Qatar. His performances on the world stage have shown that he can handle pressure and adapt to different tactical demands, qualities that should help him transition smoothly to the rigours of English football.
The timing of Dedic’s arrival is also significant because Newcastle’s current right‑back, Tino Livramento, is still on the recovery path after sustaining a calf injury while representing England in June. Livramento’s rehabilitation is progressing, but the club’s medical staff have indicated that he may not be fully match‑fit for the opening weekend.
This scenario creates a clear opportunity for Dedic to step in immediately, providing Jaissle with a reliable option at the back while Livramento regains full fitness. Beyond the right‑back position, Newcastle have been active in the transfer market on other fronts. The club is reportedly in advanced talks to secure a permanent move for Joao Palhinha from Bayern Munich, a defensive midfielder who has attracted interest from several top‑flight teams.
Palhinha’s situation is currently in flux after a failed loan attempt to Aston Villa and Bayern’s reluctance to loan him out. While the midfielder is weighing his options – including a possible return to Portugal or a move to another Premier League side – Newcastle see him as a potential answer to their need for a more robust midfield presence, especially after their pursuit of Pierre‑Emile Højbjerg fell through. If Dedic’s transfer is completed as expected, Newcastle will have addressed one of the most pressing deficiencies in their squad, allowing them to start the season with a more balanced and competitive line‑up. The club’s supporters can look forward to seeing a young, energetic full‑back who not only possesses the technical skills required at the highest level but also brings a winning mentality from his time in Austria and his international experience.
Should he adapt quickly to the pace and physicality of the Premier League, Dedic could become a mainstay in Jaissle’s side for years to come, contributing to Newcastle’s ambitions of securing a top‑half finish and possibly a European qualification spot. In summary, the agreement with Benfica marks a significant step for Newcastle United as they continue to rebuild and strengthen their squad ahead of the 2024‑25 campaign. With a sizable investment, a proven track record, and a clear pathway to first‑team football, Amar Dedic appears poised to make an immediate impact at St James’ Park, offering both depth and quality to a side eager to re‑establish itself among England’s elite.