Newcastle transfer news: Club signs Amar Dedic from Benfica for around £30m

Newcastle UnitedEdit have signed defender Amar Dedic from Benfica for around £30m.

Dedic joined the club on a five-year contract after passing a medical on Tyneside on Monday.

He has reunited with coach Matthias Jaissle, with whom he previously won the Austrian title at Red Bull Salzburg in 2023.

“It’s a special feeling and a great honor for me to join Newcastle United,” he said after the move was announced on Tuesday, his 24th birthday.

“I’m very happy to be here and I can’t wait to start playing for the club and the incredible fans.

“Working with Matthias again was an important factor for me. We know each other well. He knows what I can bring to the field and I am very happy to play for him again.”

“Playing the Premier League at St James’ Park is going to be really special. Every game feels like a great occasion, with an incredible atmosphere. I’m really excited to get started.”

Newcastle had been searching for a new right-back following the departure of veteran Kieran Trippier, who joined Wolves on a free transfer when his contract expired earlier this summer.

Dedic could quickly be called up to feature in Newcastle’s season opener at home against Liverpool on Sunday as Tino Livramento is still recovering from a calf injury he suffered while playing for England in June.

Jaissle said he was “really looking forward” to working with the defender again.

“He is a player I know very well, as I worked with him from a very young age in Austria and followed his career ever since,” he said.

“He will bring defensive and offensive qualities to our team, which suits the style of football we want to play.

“He is athletic, aggressive and technically very good, but he also has a lot of potential to continue developing.”