Newcastle United have confirmed that they have struck 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 age and his growing reputation as a solid defensive option on the flank. The youngster is expected to travel to Newcastle early next week for a mandatory medical examination, which is scheduled for Monday.
While a few administrative steps remain – such as finalising personal terms and obtaining the necessary international clearance – the club is optimistic that the paperwork will be completed in time for Dedic to be registered before the start of the Premier League season. If all goes to plan, Dedic could be on the squad list for Newcastle's opening match against Liverpool, a high‑profile fixture that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. The timing of the signing is particularly important for the Magpies because their regular right‑back, Tino Livramento, is still nursing a calf strain he picked up while representing England in June. Livramento’s recovery timeline remains uncertain, and manager Matthias Jaissle will likely need a reliable backup to cover the position in the early weeks of the campaign.
Dedic is not a complete stranger to Jaissle’s coaching philosophy. The defender spent a season under Jaissle’s guidance at Red Bull Salzburg, where he played a key role in the Austrian club’s successful defence of the Bundesliga title in 2023.
That experience means the player already understands the high‑pressing, attacking style that Jaissle favours, making the transition to Newcastle’s system smoother than it might be for a newcomer without such a connection. The acquisition also plugs a clear gap left by the departure of veteran right‑back Kieran Trippier, who left the club on a free transfer to join Wolverhampton Wanderers earlier this summer.
Trippier’s exit left Newcastle with limited depth at the back‑hand side, prompting the club’s scouting department to prioritise the market for a player who could combine defensive solidity with the ability to contribute to the attack. Dedic’s profile fits that brief perfectly; he is comfortable defending one‑on‑one, possesses good positional awareness, and can deliver accurate crosses into the box when pushing forward. Beyond the immediate right‑back need, Newcastle are also actively pursuing reinforcement in midfield. The club has been in advanced talks with Bayern Munich regarding a permanent move for defensive midfielder João Palhinha.
Last week, negotiations for a loan deal involving Aston Villa fell through, and Bayern made it clear they were not willing to loan the player out, prompting sporting director Max Eberl to confirm that a loan arrangement would not be possible. Palhinha is now weighing his options, with interest reportedly coming from his current club Bayern, as well as Portuguese giants Benfica and Sporting Lisbon. However, the midfielder has expressed a desire to remain in the English Premier League if a suitable offer materialises, suggesting that a move to Newcastle could be on the cards if the club can meet his valuation.
Returning to Dedic, his international résumé adds further credibility to the signing. The Bosnia and Herzegovina international has already earned 31 caps for his country and featured prominently at the 2022 World Cup, where he started three of the four matches Bosnia played.
His experience on the world stage demonstrates his ability to perform under pressure and against top‑class opposition, qualities that will be valuable in a league as demanding as the Premier League. In summary, Newcastle United appear poised to bolster their defensive line with the arrival of Amar Dedic, a player who not only fills a pressing positional need but also brings familiarity with the manager’s tactical approach and valuable international experience. The club’s broader transfer strategy, which includes a potential midfield upgrade with João Palhinha, indicates a clear intent to strengthen the squad across multiple areas ahead of a competitive season. Fans can look forward to seeing Dedic possibly debut against Liverpool, while the ongoing negotiations for Palhinha will be watched closely as Newcastle aims to build a squad capable of challenging for higher league positions and European qualification.