Newcastle United is on the verge of adding to its squad as it has reportedly reached an agreement with Benfica for the transfer of 23-year-old Bosnian right-back Amar Dedic. The deal is valued at €35 million, potentially increasing with performance-based bonuses. Newly appointed manager Matthias Jaisle is keen to include Dedic in the lineup for the upcoming match against Liverpool on Sunday.
With the new Premier League season approaching, Newcastle has found itself in need of reinforcements on the right flank, especially since Livramento is sidelined due to injury and Kieran Trippier has left the club for Wolverhampton.
In light of these circumstances, Newcastle escalated its negotiations with Benfica, and according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, an agreement has been reached. The Premier League side’s bid surpassed the initial €35 million, making it a potential record transfer for a defender at the club, eclipsing the €37.2 million paid for Tony Livramento from Southampton earlier this year.
During recent pre-season matches, Newcastle has fielded young defenders from its academy, including Leo Shahar and Mason Miley, both of whom are eager to prove themselves in the top tier of English football.
Amar Dedic’s Reunion with Jaisle and Koch at Newcastle
Livramento, the English international with Portuguese roots, is still recovering from a calf muscle injury that required surgery before the 2026 World Cup.
For Dedic, who is set to face Romania in the upcoming Nations League 2026-2027, moving to Newcastle presents an appealing opportunity to play in the Premier League, significantly boosting his salary and reuniting him with manager Matthias Jaisle and assistant coach Florens Koch, with whom he previously worked at Salzburg.
Koch played a pivotal role in Dedic’s development as he transitioned to professional football. Dedic was transferred to Benfica from Salzburg in 2025 for €10 million and is contracted until 2030, with a buyout clause of €50 million.
Last season, Dedic made 43 appearances, scoring one goal and providing four assists, establishing himself as one of the most consistent players in the squad, also catching the attention of Bayer Leverkusen. Newcastle is scheduled to play Bayer Leverkusen today in their final pre-season match.
