Newcastle complete £30m move for Benfica's Amar Dedic
Newcastle United have signed defender Amar Dedic from Benfica on a five-year deal for around £30m, reuniting with manager Matthias Jaissle.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Newcastle United sign defender Amar Dedic from Benfica for around £30m
- Player agrees to a five-year contract after completing a medical on Tyneside
- Reunites with manager Matthias Jaissle following their success at Red Bull Salzburg
- Could feature immediately in Sunday's Premier League opener against Liverpool
Newcastle United have successfully secured the signing of defender Amar Dedic from Portuguese club Benfica for a reported fee of approximately £30 million. The player finalized his move after completing a medical examination on Tyneside on Monday, putting pen to paper on a five-year contract with the club.
This transfer marks a reunion between Dedic and manager Matthias Jaissle, with whom the defender previously claimed the Austrian league title during their time together at Red Bull Salzburg in 2023. That prior working relationship proved to be a decisive factor in bringing the player to St James' Park.
"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."
Amar Dedic
Dedic's arrival addresses a key roster need for Newcastle following the departure of veteran right-back Kieran Trippier, who moved to Wolverhampton Wanderers on a free transfer earlier this summer. The new signing could be thrust directly into action for Sunday's season opener at home against Liverpool, as fellow full-back Tino Livramento continues to recover from a calf injury sustained while on international duty with England in June.
Manager Jaissle expressed his enthusiasm about coaching the defender once again, noting that Dedic's defensive attributes and attacking contributions align well with the club's tactical vision. Although Dedic has no prior experience in the Premier League and will require a period of adjustment to the intensity of English top-flight football, sporting director Ross Wilson has highlighted the player's immense hunger to prove himself.
The acquisition of Amar Dedic highlights Newcastle United's targeted approach in the transfer market by recruiting individuals who already understand their manager's tactical demands. Bringing in a player familiar with Matthias Jaissle's system helps mitigate the usual adaptation timeline, though managing the physical demands of the Premier League remains an ongoing challenge for incoming continental players.
Dedic is already familiar with the atmosphere at St James' Park, having featured for Benfica in their 3-0 defeat to Newcastle in the Champions League last season. He will undoubtedly be aiming for a far more positive outcome should he make his debut against Liverpool, adding depth and versatility to a squad that sporting director Ross Wilson may look to reinforce further before the transfer window closes on September 1.
Source: BBC Sport
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