Newcastle United have completed the signing of defender Amar Dedic from Benfica for around £30 million, with the right-back putting pen to paper on a five-year contract.
Dedic completed his medical on Tyneside on Monday before the move was officially announced on Tuesday, his 24th birthday.
The Bosnia and Herzegovina international will reunite with Newcastle manager Matthias Jaissle, having previously worked under the German coach at Red Bull Salzburg.
Dedic was part of Jaissle’s Salzburg side that won the Austrian Bundesliga title in 2023, and the defender admitted that the opportunity to work with his former manager again played a major role in his decision to move to St James’ Park.
“It’s a special feeling and a really big honour for me to join Newcastle United,” Dedic said after completing the transfer.
“I’m really happy to be here and can’t wait to start playing for the club and the amazing fans.
“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.”
Dedic could make his Newcastle debut as early as Sunday when the Magpies open their Premier League campaign at home against Liverpool.
The new signing arrives at a crucial time for Newcastle, with Tino Livramento still recovering from the calf injury he suffered while on international duty with England in June.
The club had been looking to strengthen at right-back following the departure of veteran defender Kieran Trippier, who joined Wolves on a free transfer after his contract expired at the end of last season.
Dedic is expected to provide competition and additional attacking threat from the right side while also offering defensive versatility.
Jaissle expressed his delight at being reunited with the defender and believes Dedic will fit naturally into Newcastle’s style of play.
“He will bring both defensive and attacking qualities to our squad, which suits the style of football that we want to play,” Jaissle said.
“He’s athletic, aggressive and technically very good, but also has a lot of potential to develop further.”
The Newcastle boss added that he had followed Dedic’s progress since working with him in Austria and was looking forward to helping the defender continue his development in the Premier League.
For Dedic, the move represents a major opportunity to establish himself in English football and play regularly in front of the passionate Newcastle supporters.
“Playing Premier League football at St James’ Park is going to be really special,” he said. “Every game feels like a big occasion, with an amazing atmosphere. I’m really excited to get started.”
