By Francis Onyach - Reporter
UK , August 15, 2026 - Newcastle United have reached an agreement with Benfica to sign Bosnia and Herzegovina international Amar Dedić, with the transfer now moving toward completion.
The breakthrough was confirmed by transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, who reported that Newcastle have agreed a €35 million package with Benfica, including a sell-on component for the Portuguese club. Dedić had made Newcastle his priority destination, despite Benfica's preference to keep the 23-year-old defender.
The deal represents one of the first major moves of the Matthias Jaissle era at St James' Park and reunites the German coach with a player he knows extremely well.
Dedić's preference has played an important role in the transfer.
Benfica reportedly wanted the Bosnian to remain in Lisbon, but the defender made it clear that joining Newcastle was his preferred option. He is also understood to be excited about working with Jaissle again. Recent reporting had already indicated that Dedić had agreed personal terms with Newcastle and was pushing for the move.
The relationship between player and manager is particularly significant.
Jaissle coached Dedić during their time together at Red Bull Salzburg, where the full-back developed into an important first-team player. Dedić made 52 appearances under Jaissle and contributed to the team's attacking play from the full-back position.
That previous relationship appears to have been an important factor in Dedić's decision.
Newcastle's agreement is understood to be worth €35 million, with Benfica retaining a sell-on percentage.
That figure represents a substantial return for Benfica, who signed Dedić from Salzburg in 2025 for a reported fee of around €12 million.
The Portuguese club had reportedly valued the player at around €35 million despite having a €50 million release clause in his contract. The eventual agreement therefore allows Benfica to secure a significant profit while retaining a financial interest in Dedić's future through the sell-on provision.
For Newcastle, the investment reflects the club's desire to strengthen its defence during a major squad rebuild.
Dedić primarily operates as a right-back but possesses the versatility to play in different defensive roles.
That flexibility is particularly useful for Jaissle, whose teams have traditionally demanded intensity, athleticism and tactical adaptability from their wide defenders.
Dedić is comfortable advancing into attacking positions, possesses good technical ability and can contribute to build-up play while also providing defensive aggression.
His previous experience in Austria, France and Portugal has also given him exposure to different tactical environments.
Before joining Benfica, he spent time with Marseille on loan during the 2024/25 season after establishing himself at Salzburg. He has subsequently become an established Bosnia and Herzegovina international, with more than 20 senior caps.
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The arrival of Dedić is particularly significant because Jaissle has only recently taken charge of Newcastle.
The former Salzburg and Al Ahli coach was appointed following Eddie Howe's departure and has inherited a squad undergoing considerable change. Newcastle have lost several important players during a turbulent summer, making recruitment an immediate priority.
Jaissle's familiarity with Dedić means Newcastle are not simply buying a player based on scouting reports.
The manager knows his strengths, understands how he can fit into his tactical system and has already worked with him at a high level.
That could make Dedić one of the easier new signings for Jaissle to integrate.
Dedić's career has developed quickly.
Born in Austria but representing Bosnia and Herzegovina internationally, he came through the Red Bull Salzburg system after joining the club's academy as a teenager.
He progressed through Salzburg's development structure before establishing himself with the senior side and eventually attracting interest from clubs elsewhere in Europe.
His move to Benfica was supposed to be another step forward.
Just one year later, he is now heading for the Premier League.
The Newcastle move also gives Dedić the opportunity to test himself in arguably the most physically demanding domestic league in Europe.
The signing comes at an important time for Newcastle.
The club are reshaping their squad under Jaissle and have been targeting younger players capable of becoming long-term assets.
Dedić fits that strategy perfectly.
At 23, he already has significant European and international experience but still has considerable room for development.
His arrival should also provide Newcastle with greater depth and competition in the full-back positions.