Abdulhafiz TeslimNewcastle United have officially completed the signing of Bosnia and Herzegovina international Amar Dedić from Benfica, with the versatile defender putting pen to paper on a five-year contract at St James’ Park.
The Magpies confirmed the deal on Tuesday, bringing the highly-rated full-back to Tyneside as their sixth senior signing of what has already been a dramatic summer transfer window. Dedić will wear the No. 37 shirt and has committed his future to Newcastle until the summer of 2031.
The transfer is understood to be worth around £29.5 million, with Newcastle moving quickly to secure the defender after identifying the right-back position as an area that needed strengthening.
Dedić arrives with valuable experience at the highest level despite being only 24. During his single season with Benfica, the Bosnia and Herzegovina international made more than 40 appearances across all competitions, including 14 Champions League appearances, underlining the level of experience he brings to Matthias Jaissle’s squad.
His arrival is particularly significant because of Newcastle’s situation at right-back. Kieran Trippier departed the club during the summer, while Tino Livramento has been dealing with a calf injury. Dedić’s ability to operate on either side of the defence therefore gives Jaissle an important option as he prepares his squad for the new Premier League campaign.
There is also a major personal connection behind the move.
Dedić previously worked with Newcastle head coach Matthias Jaissle during his time at Red Bull Salzburg. That existing relationship is believed to have played an important role in convincing the defender to choose Newcastle, with Dedić admitting that the opportunity to work with his former coach again was a major factor in his decision.
“Working with Matthias again was a big factor for me,” Dedić said after completing the move. He added that they know each other well and that Jaissle understands what he can bring to the team.
For Jaissle, the signing represents an important first step in reshaping the Newcastle squad according to his own footballing philosophy. The German coach has only recently taken charge at St James’ Park, replacing Eddie Howe, and Dedić is already a player he knows extremely well.
The Bosnian defender is renowned for his energy, attacking instincts and versatility. He is primarily a right-back but can also operate on the left, giving Newcastle additional flexibility when injuries or tactical demands arise. His experience in Austria, France and Portugal also means he has already adapted to different styles of football.
The timing of the signing could also prove crucial. Newcastle are preparing to open their Premier League campaign against Liverpool on Sunday, and reports indicate that Dedić could be in contention to make his debut almost immediately.
The deal also demonstrates Newcastle’s determination to strengthen despite a turbulent summer that has seen several important departures. Dedić now becomes the latest piece of a rebuilding project under Jaissle, with the club continuing to work on further additions before the transfer window closes.
Newcastle have also been linked with Bayern Munich midfielder João Palhinha as they look to add more quality and experience to the squad.
For now, however, the focus is firmly on Dedić.
The 24-year-old has officially completed his move, signed a long-term contract and become the first defensive signing of Jaissle’s Newcastle era.
After a summer filled with uncertainty, major departures and questions surrounding the direction of the club, Newcastle supporters finally have another reason to be excited.
Amar Dedić is officially a Newcastle United player — and the Jaissle rebuild is now well underway.
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Abdulhafiz Teslim
