Newcastle complete £30m move for Benfica's Dedic

Newcastle United have signed defender Amar Dedic from Benfica for approximately £30 million. The Bosnia-Herzegovina international has agreed to a five-year contract after undergoing a medical on Tyneside on Monday. Dedic rejoins manager Matthias Jaissle, with whom he previously won the Austrian title at Red Bull Salzburg in 2023. He expressed his excitement and honor at joining the club on his 24th birthday.

Dedic praised working with Jaissle again, noting the trust the manager has in his abilities. He also spoke about the unique atmosphere at St James' Park, where he is eager to make his Premier League debut. Newcastle had been searching for a new right-back following Kieran Trippier's departure earlier in the summer.

Jaissle expressed his enthusiasm for working with Dedic again, highlighting the defender's defensive and attacking qualities. He believes Dedic will bring both defensive stability and attacking threat to the squad, perfectly fitting their desired style of play. Dedic has already had a taste of St James' Park, having been part of Benfica's Champions League defeat to Newcastle last season.

Dedic is one of Newcastle's oldest signings this summer, making him one of only two players over 20 years old. Although he has never played in the Premier League before, Newcastle sporting director Ross Wilson is confident in Dedic's hunger to prove himself. The defender is expected to make his impact quickly, potentially facing Liverpool in Newcastle's season opener at St James' Park.