Newcastle Close to Signing Benfica Defender Amar Dedić for €35 Million

Newcastle Looks to Strengthen Defense

Newcastle United, one of the Premier League’s most ambitious and rapidly evolving clubs in recent years, is in advanced talks to sign young defender Amar Dedić from Benfica. The 23-year-old has already agreed on personal terms with the English club and is expected to sign a long-term contract keeping him at St James’ Park until 2031. This move is part of Newcastle’s efforts to bolster their defensive line after a season described as relatively "average."

Transfer Fee and Its Significance

The deal is valued at around €30 to €35 million, a significant sum for a young defender coming from Portugal. Newcastle is in advanced negotiations with Benfica and hopes to finalize the transfer soon. The need to strengthen the defense stems from the departure of key players such as Anthony Gordon, Bruno Guimarães, and Sandro Tonali, leaving notable gaps in the squad. The hefty investment in Dedić reflects the club’s determination to get back on track in the battle to avoid relegation and climb the mid-table.

That said, Newcastle already has a promising young defender in Tino Livramento, who impressed last season and is considered one of the Premier League’s most exciting talents. Therefore, the large outlay on Dedić raises questions about his exact role in the squad — will he be a regular starter or a rotation option? It’s possible the club plans to have both compete for a spot or even consider selling Livramento later this summer.

Dedić’s Relationship with Newcastle’s Coach

Another key factor in signing Dedić is his professional connection with Newcastle’s new manager, Matthias Jaissle. The two previously worked together at Red Bull Salzburg, where Dedić benefited from Jaissle’s direct guidance. This prior familiarity should ease the player’s integration into the team and allow for a quicker adaptation to the coach’s playing style and demands.

The Austrian coach, known for developing young talent and implementing an attacking yet organized style of play, is expected to give Dedić the chance to showcase his abilities in the Premier League. The combination of a young player with potential and a coach who knows his strengths well could be a significant advantage for Newcastle in the upcoming season.

A Squad Overhaul at Newcastle

Last season was challenging for Newcastle, ending without notable achievements and leaving a sense that the squad needs a major refresh. The departures of key players like Gordon, Guimarães, and Tonali created significant voids, prompting the club’s management to act swiftly to build a more competitive team.

Signing Dedić is part of a broader plan to upgrade the squad across all positions. Newcastle aims to avoid relegation battles and compete for higher spots in the table, which requires financial investment and quality signings with potential to develop and contribute immediately. Alongside Dedić, the club is also targeting attackers and midfielders to strengthen the team further.

Summary

Newcastle is showing a clear willingness to invest heavily in strengthening their defense and overall squad to build a solid foundation for the coming seasons. The signing of Amar Dedić, a young defender with European experience and a good relationship with the manager, marks an important step in Matthias Jaissle’s rebuilding process. While the competition between Dedić and Livramento may raise questions about his exact role, the move underscores the club’s understanding that depth and quality in defense are crucial to succeed in the highly competitive Premier League.