Newcastle United Sign Bosnia Defender Amar Dedic for Reported £30m

Newcastle United have completed the signing of Bosnia and Herzegovina defender Amar Dedic from Portuguese giants Benfica for a reported £30 million ($40 million) fee.

The 24-year-old right-back has signed a five-year contract with Newcastle, strengthening the club's defensive options ahead of the new Premier League season.

Dedic, who was born in Austria, arrives at St James' Park with considerable international and European experience. He has earned 31 caps for Bosnia and Herzegovina and started three of his country's matches at this year's World Cup.

Reunion with Matthias Jaissle

The move will reunite Dedic with Newcastle manager Matthias Jaissle, with whom he previously enjoyed success at Red Bull Salzburg.

Dedic joined Salzburg in 2019 and initially developed with feeder club Liefering, where he first worked under Jaissle.

The defender was part of the Salzburg side that won the Austrian league title in 2023 before embarking on spells elsewhere in Europe.

He spent time on loan at Austrian club Wolfsberger and French side Marseille before completing a permanent move to Benfica.

His familiarity with Jaissle's tactical approach could help accelerate his integration into Newcastle's squad.

Newcastle rebuild continues

Dedic's arrival represents another significant move in a summer of considerable change at Newcastle.

The club have lost several high-profile players, including Anthony Gordon to Barcelona, Sandro Tonali to Tottenham and Bruno Guimaraes to Arsenal.

Long-serving manager Eddie Howe also departed after five years in charge, with Jaissle subsequently taking over.

Newcastle have responded by pursuing a younger recruitment strategy, bringing in defensive midfielder Aladji Bamba, Ivory Coast winger Bazoumana Toure and goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek, among other additions.

The signing of Dedic adds further depth to a squad undergoing a substantial transition.

World Cup experience

Despite his relatively young age, Dedic has already established himself as an important member of Bosnia and Herzegovina's national team.

His three starts at the World Cup this year have provided him with experience at the highest level of international football, while his previous spells in Austria, France and Portugal have exposed him to different styles of play.

Newcastle will hope his versatility, defensive ability and experience can strengthen the team as they begin a new era under Jaissle.

The Magpies will open their Premier League campaign at home against Liverpool on Sunday, with Dedic potentially in line to make his competitive debut for the club.