Newcastle United have confirmed the signing of defender Amar Dedic from Benfica in a deal valued at approximately £30m. Dedic has committed to a five-year contract with the club, having undergone a medical examination on Tyneside on Monday.
This transfer marks a reunion for Dedic with manager Matthias Jaissle, under whom he previously secured the Austrian title with Red Bull Salzburg in 2023. The announcement of his move on Tuesday coincided with his 24th birthday.
Dedic’s Perspective on Joining Newcastle
Following the confirmation of his transfer, Dedic expressed his enthusiasm. He described joining Newcastle United as a “special feeling” and a “really big honour.” He also stated his eagerness to begin playing for the club and its supporters.
Dedic highlighted the opportunity to work with Jaissle again as a significant factor in his decision. He noted their established working relationship, stating that Jaissle understands his capabilities on the pitch. The prospect of playing Premier League football at St James’ Park, known for its atmosphere, was also a source of excitement for the defender.
Newcastle had been seeking a new right-back following the departure of Kieran Trippier, who moved to Wolves on a free transfer after his contract concluded earlier in the summer. Dedic could potentially feature in Newcastle‘s opening match of the season at home against Liverpool on Sunday, as Tino Livramento is currently recovering from a calf injury sustained during international duty with England in June.
Manager and Sporting Director’s Views
Manager Matthias Jaissle conveyed his eagerness to collaborate with Dedic once more, acknowledging their long-standing professional relationship from Dedic’s youth in Austria. Jaissle anticipates that Dedic will contribute both defensive and attacking qualities to the squad, aligning with the team’s desired playing style.
Jaissle further described Dedic as athletic, aggressive, and technically proficient, with considerable potential for further development. Newcastle‘s sporting director, Ross Wilson, has also commented on Dedic’s strong desire to prove himself at the club, describing him as “incredibly hungry.”
Dedic’s familiarity with Jaissle’s expectations for full-backs suggests he could be integrated quickly into the team, potentially even starting the upcoming weekend fixture despite limited training sessions with his new teammates. His ability to cover at left-back is also seen as a valuable asset for the squad.
Dedic’s Background and Potential Impact
Dedic has prior experience at St James’ Park, having played there as part of the Benfica team that lost 3-0 to Newcastle in the Champions League last season. He will be aiming for a more positive outcome if he participates in the match against Liverpool.
The defender is among Newcastle‘s older acquisitions this summer, and one of only two new signings over the age of 20, alongside goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek. Having not previously played in the Premier League, Dedic, like Newcastle‘s other six new arrivals, will need time to adjust to the league’s intensity and physicality.
Last season, Dedic made 24 appearances in Portugal’s Primeira Liga. During this period, he ranked second among full-backs for carries into the attacking third with 49, and third for progressive carries with 202 and total carries with 325. This transfer marks Jaissle’s first signing since taking over as manager.
Dedic also represented Bosnia and Herzegovina at the World Cup, where his team reached the last-32 before being eliminated by the United States. This signing is Newcastle‘s sixth of the summer, as the team rebuilds after the departures of several key players, including Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali, and Anthony Gordon.
Newcastle‘s season opener against Liverpool on Sunday could see Dedic make his debut, especially with Tino Livramento still recovering from injury. The club’s business in the transfer window is expected to continue until it closes on 1 September.
Source: bbc.co.uk