Newcastle United complete Amar Dedić Deal

Newcastle United have completed the signing of Bosnia-Herzegovina international full-back Amar Dedić from Benfica. The 24-year-old has signed a five-year deal worth up to around £29.5 million, becoming the sixth new arrival of Matthias Jaissle’s rebuilding this summer.

The move reunites Dedić with the head coach with whom he worked during their time together in Austria.

A Reunion with Jaissle

Dedić previously played under Jaissle at FC Liefering and Red Bull Salzburg early in his career, with that familiarity being central to the move. “Working with Matthias again was a big factor for me,” Dedić said. “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.”

Jaissle described his new full-back as ‘athletic, aggressive and technically very good’, whilst Sporting Director Ross Wilson called him a ‘modern full-back’ who ‘strengthens our squad straightaway.’ Born in Zell am See, the Bosnian came through Sturm Graz before joining Salzburg’s academy in 2015, later gaining experience when he spent time on loan at Wolfsberger AC and Marseille. He joined Benfica permanently last summer and has won 31 caps for Bosnia-Herzegovina, three of them at this summer’s World Cup.

@nufcnws Amar Dedic- Welcome to NUFC #nufc#newcastleunited#premierleague#football#viral ♬ Heat Waves(int) – TMEQQ

He already knows St James’ Park, having played there for Benfica in last October’s Champions League tie, which was a match that Newcastle won 3-0. Dedić fills the void left by Kieran Trippier’s free-transfer departure to Wolverhampton Wanderers earlier this summer and he could be needed immediately. Tino Livramento is still working his way back to full fitness after the calf injury that ruled him out of England’s World Cup squad this summer.

It could be argued that handing a new arrival his debut in a season opener is a risk, especially given the fact that it is Andoni Iraola’s Liverpool that are heading to Newcastle for the first match of the campaign. That being said, Dedić already knows what Jaissle demands of his full-backs from their days together in Austria, which should smooth the transition. Newcastle’s transfer business is not finished there, either. There are further additions expected before the window closes on the first of September, with the Magpies needing to replace some big names that have departed for pastures new this summer.