Deal completed
Newcastle United have secured the services of 24-year-old defender Amar Dedic from Benfica, with the transfer fee rumored to be approximately £30 million. The player successfully underwent a medical examination in Tyneside on Monday and subsequently agreed to a five-year contract. The club officially announced the transfer on Tuesday, which happened to coincide with Dedic's birthday celebrations.[S1][S3]
Dedic expressed his delight at joining the club, calling it a special feeling and a great honour. He said he was happy to be at Newcastle and eager to start playing for the team and its supporters. He also highlighted the role of manager Matthias Jaissle in his decision, noting their previous working relationship.[S1][S4]
Reunion with Jaissle
Matthias Jaissle, Newcastle United's manager, is thrilled to welcome Amar Dedic back to his team. The defender's reunion with Jaissle, who coached him to the Austrian Bundesliga championship with Red Bull Salzburg in 2023, is a significant move. Jaissle expressed his excitement about Dedic's return, highlighting his familiarity with the player's skills, including his defensive prowess, attacking abilities, athleticism, and technical prowess.[S1][S3]
Dedic, a Bosnia and Herzegovina international, has previously experienced playing at St James' Park as part of the Benfica side that lost 3-0 to Newcastle in the Champions League last season. He will be hoping for a better outcome if he features against Liverpool in Sunday's Premier League opener.[S1][S3]
Immediate impact possible
Newcastle United's recent acquisition of Amar Dedic from Benfica for a fee of approximately £30 million comes in the wake of Kieran Trippier's exit. The experienced right-back Trippier left for Wolves on a free transfer after his contract ended. With Tino Livramento still nursing a calf injury picked up during his England duties in June, Dedic might be thrust into action sooner than expected.[S1][S3]
At 24 years old, Amar Dedic is one of the oldest summer signings for Newcastle United, and the only one over 20 besides goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek. He is a newcomer to the Premier League, so he will require time to adjust to its fast pace. However, Dedic's prior experience with manager Matthias Jaissle's full-back tactics may lead to an immediate debut this weekend.[S1]
