Abdulhafiz TeslimNewcastle United have reportedly stepped up their interest in Benfica full-back Amar Dedić, with club-to-club negotiations now underway for the 23-year-old Bosnia and Herzegovina international.
According to the latest reports, Newcastle have moved beyond simply monitoring the defender and have opened direct discussions with Benfica over a potential transfer. The negotiations are understood to have started today, with Dedić reportedly keen on the possibility of moving to St James’ Park.
The development represents another major step in Newcastle’s efforts to strengthen their defensive options, as the Magpies continue to reshape their squad under new head coach Matthias Jaissle.
Dedić is also understood to have received approval from Jaissle, who already knows the player extremely well from their time together at Red Bull Salzburg. That previous relationship could prove important as Newcastle look to move quickly in what could become one of the more interesting deals of the current transfer window.
Jaissle connection could be crucial
One of the biggest factors behind Newcastle’s interest is believed to be Jaissle’s familiarity with Dedić.
The German coach worked with the Bosnian defender during their time at Salzburg and knows his qualities, versatility and tactical understanding. Dedić was part of the Salzburg side that won the Austrian Bundesliga title under Jaissle in the 2022/23 season.
Reports have previously identified Dedić as a player who could fit naturally into Jaissle’s footballing philosophy, particularly because of his ability to contribute both defensively and offensively from the full-back position.
Newcastle’s interest was initially revealed by SamC_reports, who reported that Dedić had emerged on the club’s radar. The latest development suggests the situation has now progressed significantly, with Newcastle entering direct negotiations with Benfica.
Who is Amar Dedić?
Born in Zell am See, Austria, Dedić came through the Red Bull Salzburg academy after developing in Austria. He also gained valuable senior experience with Liefering and Wolfsberger before establishing himself at Salzburg.
The defender can operate primarily at right-back but has also demonstrated his ability to play on the opposite side, giving his potential new club additional flexibility.
Dedić joined Benfica in 2025 after leaving Salzburg and has since continued his development in Portuguese football. He has also established himself as a Bosnia and Herzegovina international, making more than 20 senior appearances for his country.
His profile makes him particularly attractive to Newcastle because he combines youth, European experience and positional versatility.
Newcastle move gathers momentum
For Newcastle supporters, the most significant part of the latest update is that discussions have reportedly moved to club-to-club negotiations.
That does not mean a transfer agreement has already been reached. Benfica will still have to decide whether Newcastle’s proposal is acceptable, while negotiations over the structure and financial terms of the deal could continue before any agreement is finalised.
However, Dedić’s reported willingness to join Newcastle and Jaissle’s approval of the player could give the Magpies encouragement.
With the 23-year-old reportedly keen on the move, Newcastle now have an opportunity to push the negotiations forward and potentially secure a player who already understands the methods of their new head coach.
The Magpies are clearly looking at multiple options as they continue rebuilding their squad, and Dedić could become another important piece of Jaissle’s plans at St James’ Park.
For now, talks are ongoing and there is still work to be done before Newcastle can celebrate a completed transfer.
But with negotiations now underway, Dedić’s name has suddenly become one of the most interesting on Newcastle’s transfer radar.
Abdulhafiz Teslim
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