Newcastle United have completed the signing of defender Amar Dedic from Benfica for a fee of £35m. The 23-year-old has put pen to paper on a five-year contract at St James' Park, with the move being announced on Tuesday.
Deal Details and Player Profile
The transfer sees Dedic become Newcastle's third signing of the summer window, following the arrivals of midfielder Sandro Tonali and winger Harvey Barnes. The Bosnia-Herzegovina international is expected to provide competition at right-back, where Kieran Trippier has been the first-choice option.
Dedic came through the youth ranks at Benfica and made 45 appearances for the Portuguese club last season, scoring two goals and providing five assists. He has also earned 12 caps for his country since making his debut in 2023.
Manager's Reaction
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe expressed his delight at securing Dedic's signature, saying: "Amar is a talented young defender with a bright future. He has all the attributes to succeed in the Premier League, and we are excited to welcome him to the squad."
The club's sporting director, Dan Ashworth, added: "We have been monitoring Amar for some time and believe he fits the profile of player we want to bring to Newcastle. He is athletic, comfortable on the ball, and has a strong defensive mindset."
Impact on the Squad
Dedic's arrival is likely to increase competition for places in the defensive line, with Trippier, Javier Manquillo, and Emil Krafth also vying for the right-back position. The new signing could also be used in a more advanced role, given his attacking instincts.
Newcastle finished fourth in the Premier League last season, securing Champions League football for the first time in two decades. The club are looking to strengthen their squad to compete on multiple fronts, and Dedic is seen as a key addition to their defensive options.
The transfer is subject to international clearance and work permit approval, which is expected to be completed in the coming days. Dedic will join up with his new teammates for training ahead of the new season, which kicks off in two weeks.
