Newcastle United have completed the signing of Bosnia-Herzegovina international Amar Dedic from Benfica in a deal worth around £30 million.
The 24-year-old defender has signed a five-year contract with the Premier League club after completing his medical on Tyneside.
Dedic becomes the latest addition to Matthias Jaissle’s squad and will reunite with the manager after previously working under him at Red Bull Salzburg.
The pair helped Salzburg win the Austrian league title in 2023, and Dedic said their previous relationship played an important role in his decision to join Newcastle.
The right-back arrives as Newcastle look to strengthen the position following Kieran Trippier’s departure to Wolves on a free transfer.
Dedic could make his debut as early as Sunday’s Premier League opener against Liverpool, with Tino Livramento still recovering from a calf injury sustained while on international duty with England.
Jaissle praised Dedic’s qualities and said the defender can contribute at both ends of the pitch.
The Newcastle manager described him as athletic, aggressive and technically strong, while also highlighting his potential to continue developing. Dedic’s ability to operate at left-back could also provide valuable flexibility for the squad.
The Bosnia-Herzegovina international already has some experience of playing at St James’ Park, having featured for Benfica in their 3-0 Champions League defeat by Newcastle last season.
His attacking numbers also underline his ability to contribute going forward, with Dedic ranking highly among full-backs in Portugal last season for carries into the attacking third and progressive carries.
Newcastle sporting director Ross Wilson has described Dedic as “incredibly hungry” to prove himself, and the defender will now look to adapt to the pace and physical demands of English football.
With the transfer window closing on 1 September, Newcastle are expected to continue strengthening their squad as Jaissle prepares his team for a demanding Premier League campaign.
Daniel Ademiju Idowu
