Newcastle United have completed the signing of Bosnian international Amar Dedic from Portuguese giants Benfica, securing the 24-year-old full‑back on a five‑year contract. According to sources at Sky Sports News, the transfer fee is reported to be around £29.5 million. Dedic becomes the sixth senior player added to the Magpies' squad during this summer's transfer window and will don the number 37 jersey at St James' Park.
A versatile defender capable of operating on either side of the back line, Dedic previously worked under Newcastle manager Matthias Jaissle during their time together at Red Bull Salzburg and its feeder club Liefering. "Re‑uniting with Matthias was a major factor in my decision," Dedic explained. "We know each other well, he understands what I can contribute on the pitch, and I’m thrilled to be back under his guidance." Jaissle echoed the sentiment, praising Dedic's blend of defensive solidity and attacking impetus. "He is athletic, aggressive, technically proficient and still has plenty of room to grow," the coach said.
Sporting director Ross Wilson described Dedic as a "modern full‑back" who can slot in comfortably on either flank, adding that his arrival will "strengthen the squad straight away". The club believes his profile fits the evolving demands of top‑flight football, where full‑backs are expected to contribute both defensively and offensively, supporting attacks, delivering crosses and even cutting inside to create scoring opportunities.
Dedic's career path has been marked by steady progression through the Red Bull footballing network. He made 95 appearances for Salzburg, showcasing his stamina, tactical awareness and ability to transition quickly between defense and attack.
Loan spells at Wolfsberger AC in Austria and Olympique de Marseille in France added valuable experience in different tactical systems and competitive environments. After those stints, he signed permanently for Benfica last summer, where he continued to develop his game under the guidance of Portuguese coaches.
While at Benfica, Dedic featured in a memorable Champions League group‑stage match at St James' Park, giving Newcastle fans an early glimpse of his capabilities against their own side. He has also earned 31 caps for the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team, representing his country at the World Cup qualifiers and bringing a wealth of international experience to the Magpies.
The signing reflects Newcastle's broader strategy of investing in young, adaptable players who can be moulded into long‑term assets. By securing Dedic on a five‑year deal, the club signals its intent to build a squad that can compete consistently in the Premier League while also having the flexibility to adapt to different tactical demands.
His ability to play both as a traditional overlapping full‑back and as an inverted wing‑back gives manager Jaissle a variety of options when setting up his formations, whether the team lines up in a back‑four, a back‑three with wing‑backs, or a more fluid 3‑5‑2 system. From a technical perspective, Dedic excels in one‑v‑one defensive situations, using his speed and timing to close down opponents. Offensively, he possesses a keen eye for crossing and the composure to deliver accurate balls into the box, a trait that will complement Newcastle's attacking talents such as Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak.
His work rate and willingness to track back will also help the team maintain defensive shape when the opposition presses high. In addition to his on‑field attributes, Dedic's professionalism and familiarity with Jaissle's training methods are expected to aid his integration into the squad. Having already built rapport with the coaching staff, he should adapt quickly to the club's culture and expectations. The Magpies' fan base, known for its passionate support, will likely welcome a player who has already shown dedication to improving his craft and who brings a fresh, dynamic edge to the team's defensive line.
Overall, Amar Dedic's arrival marks a significant addition to Newcastle United's roster, combining youthful energy, tactical versatility and international pedigree. As the Premier League season approaches, supporters will be eager to see how his presence influences the team's defensive stability and attacking width, and whether his development continues on the upward trajectory that has defined his career thus far.