Newcastle United have confirmed that they have reached a formal agreement with Portuguese side Benfica for the transfer of the 23‑year‑old Bosnian right‑back Amar Dedic. According to sources at Sky Sports News, the deal is reported to be valued at approximately £29.5 million, a figure that reflects both Dedic's potential and the club’s determination to reinforce the defensive flanks after a busy summer in the transfer market.
The young defender is expected to travel to Newcastle on Monday to undergo a medical examination, the final step before the signing becomes official. While a handful of administrative formalities still need to be completed, the club’s hierarchy is optimistic that Dedic will be fully registered in time to feature in Newcastle’s opening Premier League fixture against Liverpool, scheduled for next Sunday and broadcast live on Sky Sports. If the paperwork is concluded swiftly, Dedic could be thrust straight into the starting eleven at St James’ Park.
This scenario is likely given the recent injury concerns surrounding current first‑choice right‑back Tino Livramento, who is still on the sidelines nursing a calf strain sustained while representing England in June. Livramento’s recovery timeline remains uncertain, and manager Matthias Jaissle will be eager to have a reliable alternative ready for the demanding start to the season. The connection between Dedic and his prospective new manager is not incidental. Dedic previously worked under Jaissle during his spell at Red Bull Salzburg, where the Austrian side clinched the Bundesliga title in 2023.
That shared experience is expected to smooth Dedic’s adaptation to the Premier League, as he will already be familiar with Jaissle’s tactical philosophy, training methods, and expectations for full‑back play. The defender’s contributions to Salzburg’s defensive solidity and attacking width were instrumental in securing the championship, and Jaissle has publicly praised Dedic’s work ethic, positional awareness, and ability to contribute to the offensive phase. 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 both defensive stability and set‑piece expertise, prompting the club to explore several options before settling on Dedic as the preferred target.
The £29.5 million price tag underscores Newcastle’s willingness to invest heavily in a player who can immediately plug that void while also offering long‑term upside. In addition to the Dedic signing, Newcastle have been active on other fronts. The club remains engaged in negotiations for a permanent move for Joao Palhinha, the Portuguese defensive midfielder currently on loan at Bayern Munich.
Palhinha’s situation has been fluid; after failed attempts to secure a loan from Aston Villa and a broken‑down pursuit of Pierre‑Emile Højbjerg, Newcastle are now looking to bring the midfielder to the north‑east permanently. Bayern have made it clear they are not interested in extending Palhinha’s loan, prompting sporting director Max Eberl to state that a deal with Villa would not materialise. Consequently, Palhinha is reassessing his future, with options ranging from staying at Bayern to returning to Portugal, where clubs such as Benfica and Sporting CP have expressed interest. Nonetheless, the midfielder has indicated a preference for remaining in the Premier League, a league that offers both competitive intensity and a high profile.
The acquisition of Dedic fits into a broader strategy by Newcastle’s management to strengthen the squad across multiple positions ahead of a demanding season. By securing a right‑back who is already accustomed to Jaissle’s system, the club not only addresses an immediate defensive need but also adds a player with the potential to develop into a key figure for years to come. Dedic’s international experience further bolsters his credentials; he has earned 31 caps for Bosnia and Herzegovina and started three of his nation’s four matches at the recent World Cup, showcasing his ability to perform on football’s biggest stage.
Fans can look forward to seeing Dedic integrate into the team during pre‑season training, where his pace, crossing ability, and defensive discipline will be tested alongside existing squad members. His familiarity with Jaissle’s high‑pressing, possession‑based style should allow him to adapt quickly, providing both defensive cover and an additional outlet on the wing. Moreover, his presence may relieve pressure on Livramento, allowing the younger player to recover fully without the urgency of an immediate return. As the transfer window draws to a close, Newcastle’s activity demonstrates a clear intent to compete at the highest level in the Premier League.
The club’s willingness to spend significant sums on targeted acquisitions, combined with strategic scouting and a cohesive managerial vision, signals an ambition to improve upon last season’s performance and challenge for European qualification. The Dedic signing, alongside potential midfield reinforcement with Palhinha, illustrates a balanced approach to squad building that blends experience, youth, and tactical compatibility. Supporters eager for more updates can stay connected via the club’s official channels, where live transfer centre updates, headlines, and Premier League news are regularly posted.
For those interested in following the action, streaming options without a long‑term contract are available, and the club continues to engage fans through interactive promotions such as the Super 6 competition, which offers a chance to win £1 million. In summary, Newcastle United’s agreement to sign Amar Dedic represents a significant step forward in addressing the right‑back vacancy left by Trippier’s departure. The transfer, valued at roughly £29.5 million, aligns with the club’s broader recruitment strategy and benefits from the existing relationship between the player and manager Matthias Jaissle. With the medical scheduled for Monday and the Premier League opener looming, Newcastle fans can anticipate seeing Dedic don the black and white kit very soon, potentially making his debut against Liverpool in what promises to be a thrilling start to the campaign.