Newcastle United are officially ramping up their summer transfer activity. Following a transitional period on Tyneside marked by high-profile departures and a shift in leadership, new manager Matthias Jaissle is closing in on what could be his first marquee signing since taking the reins earlier this month.
According to reports from The Athletic, the Magpies are actively working on a deal to bring Benfica full-back Amar Dedić to St. James’ Park. With the Premier League season opener rapidly approaching against Liverpool on Sunday, August 23, Newcastle’s hierarchy is moving with urgency to plug a glaring hole in the squad.
Unfamiliar Faces and Familiar Connections: Why Dedić Fits Jaissle’s Vision
The 23-year-old Bosnia and Herzegovina international carries a release clause set at €50 million (£42.7m). However, internal sources at Benfica indicate that a structured agreement could be reached for a substantially reduced fee in the region of €35 million.
For Jaissle, Dedić represents much more than just a squad body. The German manager has a well-documented history with the full-back, having previously coached him during their respective spells at FC Liefering and Red Bull Salzburg in Austria.
Dedić’s tactical profile makes him an ideal stylistic fit for Jaissle’s high-intensity system. Able to operate comfortably down both defensive flanks, his versatility is a massive asset for a Newcastle squad currently starved of natural wide-defensive cover. Furthermore, because Dedić already intimately understands what Jaissle expects on and off the pitch, the coaching staff believes he can seamlessly transition and adapt to the rigorous demands of Premier League football without a lengthy bedding-in period.
Solving a Defensive Crisis on Tyneside
Jaissle inherited a squad that former manager Eddie Howe felt was severely lacking in depth and experience across key departments—none more so than the full-back position. Following the departures of seasoned operators like Kieran Trippier, Emil Krafth, and Matt Targett, Newcastle’s wide defensive ranks have been left perilously thin.
The urgency has been compounded by fitness issues. Tino Livramento is currently working his way back from a minor calf operation he underwent in June, leaving Newcastle with zero senior right-backs fully fit for action. Even youngster Lewis Miley, who bravely deputized in that area last season, is only just returning to competitive fitness following a broken leg.
Should Newcastle successfully negotiate a fee with Benfica and complete the formalities, Dedić is expected to be thrown straight into the starting XI to face Liverpool, with Livramento unlikely to return to full match sharpness until the end of the month.
A Shrewd Addition in a Vital Summer Window
If a deal crosses the finish line, Dedić would become Newcastle’s sixth summer acquisition, joining a youth-focused influx that has already brought goalkeepers Ewen Jaouen and Lukas Hornicek, midfielders Aladji Bamba and Sean Steur, and winger Bazoumana Toure to the club. Notably, Dedić would also become only the second player over the age of 20 to arrive during this window, injecting some vital maturity into a youthful contingent.
While Dedić did have a difficult evening at St. James’ Park last season when visiting with Benfica in the Champions League—where Anthony Gordon frequently exploited space behind him—club insiders believe working directly under Jaissle’s tutelage will unlock his full potential.
As the final weeks of the transfer window tick down, securing Dedić would represent a massive step forward for Newcastle. However, with further reinforcements still required—particularly in the engine room—the Magpies’ recruitment team cannot afford to take their foot off the gas just yet.
