Newcastle secures Benfica defender Dedic on five-year deal
Newcastle United has officially announced the signing of defender Amar Dedic from Benfica. The full-back has agreed to a five-year contract with the Tyneside club following a successful medical examination on Monday. This acquisition represents a significant investment in the club’s defensive capabilities.
The deal, valued at approximately £29.5 million, marks a notable statement from the Magpies as they continue to strengthen their squad. Dedic, who will wear shirt number 37 at St James’ Park, becomes the club’s sixth senior addition during the current transfer window. His arrival is expected to provide immediate competition in the full-back positions, as he is capable of playing effectively on both the right and left flanks.
Reunion with Jaissle
The move sees Dedic reunite with head coach Matthias Jaissle, a partnership that previously achieved success in the Austrian Bundesliga with RB Salzburg. Dedic expressed his pride in joining Newcastle United, highlighting the importance of his relationship with the manager in his decision to move from Lisbon to the Premier League.
Dedic stated, “It’s a special feeling and a really big honour for me to join Newcastle United. I’m really happy to be here and can’t wait to start playing for the club and the amazing fans.” He added, “Working with Matthias again was a big factor for me. We know each other well, he knows what I can bring on the pitch and I’m really happy to be playing for him again.”
Jaissle also shared his enthusiasm for the signing, emphasizing the physical attributes and tactical intelligence that the Bosnian international brings to the squad. The coach believes Dedic is well-suited for the high-intensity style of football he is implementing at Newcastle. Jaissle noted, “He’s a player who I know really well, having worked with him from a young age in Austria and followed his career since.”
The coach further elaborated, “He will bring both defensive and attacking qualities to our squad, which suits the style of football that we want to play. He’s athletic, aggressive and technically very good, but also has a lot of potential to develop further.” Jaissle also highlighted Dedic’s valuable experience, including appearances in the Champions League and the World Cup, as well as playing for significant clubs in Austria, France, and Portugal.
Squad Reinforcement and Future Plans
Dedic is expected to be available for Newcastle’s Premier League opener against Liverpool this Sunday. The club had been seeking a new right-back following the departure of Kieran Trippier. With Tino Livramento recovering from a calf injury sustained on international duty, Dedic could be called upon quickly.
Newcastle’s sporting director, Ross Wilson, praised the deal as a crucial part of the club’s recruitment strategy, describing Dedic as a “perfect fit” for the team’s new direction. Wilson stated, “I’m delighted to welcome Amar to Newcastle United. He’s a player Matthias knows really well and one we all think very highly of – we see him as a player who strengthens our squad straightaway, capable of performing on the right and on the left.”
Wilson further highlighted Dedic’s performance level at Red Bull Salzburg and Benfica, noting his ability to contribute at both ends of the pitch as a modern full-back. He also mentioned Dedic’s strong desire to prove himself at Newcastle United and in the Premier League. Dedic’s familiarity with Jaissle’s expectations for full-backs suggests he could integrate quickly into the team.
Meanwhile, Manchester United has reportedly warned Galatasaray against pursuing Bruno Fernandes. This marks the second consecutive summer that Fernandes’ future at Manchester United has been uncertain due to interest from other European clubs. Last summer, Fernandes indicated that United had told him they would not prevent his departure if he wished to leave, amidst interest from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal.
In a November interview, Fernandes expressed feeling “hurt and sad” that the club seemed willing to consider his transfer. He chose not to move to Saudi Arabia for family reasons and his affection for Manchester United. Fernandes conveyed to the directors that he believed the club wanted him to leave, despite the coach’s desire for him to stay, and that they would have allowed him to depart if he had expressed a wish to do so.
Dedic’s arrival is expected to bolster Newcastle’s squad significantly ahead of the upcoming season.
Source: bbc.co.uk
Isla Hartley is a Sports Reporter at NewsUK. She covered the British summer of sport from Wimbledon to the Test grounds. She focuses on tennis, cricket and athletics and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. She holds a degree in Sports Studies from the University of Stirling and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in Glasgow, she runs half-marathons and follows Scottish athletics. “The overlooked athlete usually has the better story.”
