Deal Struck With Benfica At €35m
Amar Dedić is flying to England today for his medical tests and contract signing at Newcastle United, confirming a deal struck with Benfica worth €35 million. The agreement was revealed yesterday by transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, closing a saga that dominated headlines throughout the week.
The package includes a significant sell-on clause protecting Benfica's future interests, a notable concession given how reluctant the Portuguese club initially appeared to sell. Reports suggest Benfica genuinely wanted to keep Dedić, having only signed him from Red Bull Salzburg for around €10 million just over a year ago. Ultimately, though, the player's own determination to leave forced the deal over the line.
That determination stems largely from one relationship. Matthias Jaissle, Newcastle's new head coach, previously managed Dedić at both FC Liefering and Red Bull Salzburg, where the defender contributed numerous goals and assists across a productive spell. Reuniting with Jaissle became Dedić's top priority throughout negotiations, according to sources close to the deal, outweighing Benfica's preference for him to stay.
Financially, Newcastle secured reasonable value. Dedić's release clause at Benfica reportedly sat at €50 million, meaning the Magpies negotiated roughly 30 percent below that figure. Personal terms were agreed swiftly, with Dedić set to sign a five-year contract running through 2031.
Timing Adds Urgency Ahead Of Opener
Squad necessity played a considerable role in accelerating this move. Newcastle's full-back options remain limited heading into the new campaign, with Tino Livramento continuing his recovery from injury concerns. Dedić's versatility, capable of playing comfortably on either flank, addresses that gap directly.
Should his medical and paperwork proceed smoothly, Dedić could feasibly make his Premier League debut against Liverpool on August 23, a tight turnaround given today's travel schedule. Notably, this arrives amid a genuinely challenging summer at St James' Park, following the departures of Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes and Anthony Gordon alongside former manager Eddie Howe.
For Benfica, losing Dedić represents another blow to a squad already reshaped by multiple summer exits. Club president Rui Costa faces mounting pressure from supporters, according to CaughtOffside, as rivals Porto continue pulling further ahead domestically.
