Newcastle United have confirmed that they have reached a provisional agreement with Portuguese side Benfica for the permanent signing of 23‑year‑old defender Amar Dedic. According to sources at Sky Sports News, the transfer fee is reported to be around £29.5 million, a figure that reflects the club’s belief in Dedic’s potential to become a key figure in the Magpies’ defensive line. The young Bosnian international is scheduled to travel to Newcastle on Monday to undergo a medical examination, a standard step that will finalize the move if all goes well. While a few administrative details still need to be sorted out, the consensus among the club’s hierarchy and its supporters is that Dedic will be registered in time for Newcastle’s opening Premier League fixture against Liverpool next Sunday, a match that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
The timing of the signing is particularly significant because Newcastle’s first‑choice right‑back, Tino Livramento, is currently sidelined with a calf injury he picked up while representing England on international duty earlier this summer. Livramento’s recovery timeline remains uncertain, and the Magpies have been actively searching for a reliable replacement to ensure they do not start the season with a weakened back line.
Dedic’s arrival could therefore be seen as an immediate solution to the right‑back vacancy. He previously worked under Newcastle’s head coach Matthias Jaissle during their time together at Red Bull Salzburg, where Dedic played a pivotal role in the Austrian club’s successful defence of the Bundesliga title in 2023. That prior relationship is expected to smooth his integration into the team, as Jaissle already knows the defender’s strengths, work ethic, and tactical awareness.
The familiarity between player and coach could accelerate Dedic’s adaptation to the rigors of the Premier League, a competition that demands both physical resilience and sharp technical ability. The transfer also comes in the wake of Newcastle’s need to replace Kieran Trippier, who departed for Wolverhampton Wanderers on a free transfer earlier this summer. Trippier’s exit left a notable gap on the right flank, and the club has been keen to fill that void with a player who can contribute both defensively and offensively.
Dedic, who is comfortable joining attacks and delivering accurate crosses, fits the profile of a modern full‑back, capable of supporting the midfield while also maintaining defensive solidity. Beyond the immediate right‑back situation, Newcastle’s broader transfer strategy has been focused on strengthening the squad across multiple areas.
The club is simultaneously engaged in negotiations for a permanent move for João Palhinha, the Portuguese midfielder currently on loan at Bayern Munich. Newcastle’s interest in Palhinha reflects their desire to add depth and creativity to the midfield, especially after recent attempts to acquire Pierre‑Emile Højbjerg and a proposed loan for Palhinha from Aston Villa fell through. Bayern Munich has indicated a reluctance to loan out Palhinha, prompting sporting director Max Eberl to clarify that a loan arrangement with Villa would not materialise. Consequently, Palhinha is now reassessing his future, weighing options that include staying at Bayern, returning to Portugal, or potentially moving to the Premier League, where he has expressed a preference for continuing his career.
Returning to Dedic, his international pedigree adds further value to Newcastle’s acquisition. The Bosnia and Herzegovina international has earned 31 caps for his country and was a starter in three of the four matches Bosnia played at the most recent World Cup. His experience on the world stage demonstrates his ability to perform under pressure and against top‑tier opposition, qualities that will be invaluable as Newcastle aims to compete at the highest level in England.
In addition to his defensive duties, Dedic is known for his versatility. He can operate as a traditional full‑back, a wing‑back in a three‑man defence, or even slot into a more advanced midfield role if required. This tactical flexibility gives manager Matthias Jaissle a broader array of options when setting up his team, particularly in a league where injuries and fixture congestion can force managers to rotate players frequently.
The signing also aligns with Newcastle’s long‑term vision of building a squad that blends youthful exuberance with seasoned experience. At 23, Dedic is entering a phase of his career where he can combine the energy and ambition of a younger player with the maturity gained from international competition. His development at Benfica, a club renowned for nurturing talent, coupled with his previous stint under Jaissle, positions him as a promising prospect who could grow into a cornerstone of Newcastle’s defence for years to come.
Fans can look forward to seeing Dedic in a Newcastle shirt soon, as the club aims to unveil him officially before the Liverpool clash. The Magpies will be hoping that his arrival not only plugs the immediate gap left by Livramento’s injury but also adds a new dimension to their tactical setup, allowing them to compete more effectively on both ends of the pitch. Overall, the Dedic deal represents a strategic move by Newcastle United to address a pressing positional need, reinforce the squad’s depth, and lay the groundwork for future success.
With the transfer window still open, the club’s continued activity in the market underscores its commitment to assembling a competitive team capable of challenging for top honours in the Premier League and beyond.