Newcastle submitted an offer for Amar Dedić

Newcastle United are closing in on another important addition to Matthias Jaissle’s squad, with Amar Dedić emerging as the club’s leading target for the full-back position.

Advanced discussions are now taking place between Newcastle and Benfica, with the two clubs working towards an agreement understood to be worth around £28m. The overall package is not yet completely settled, with potential add-ons still being discussed, but Newcastle are increasingly confident that the deal can be concluded this week.

The remaining work is largely financial and contractual. Once those details are resolved, Dedić would become another significant addition to a Newcastle squad being reshaped under Jaissle.

And there is a clear reason why the new manager is so keen.

Dedić is not an unfamiliar name to Jaissle.

The Bosnia and Herzegovina international developed through the Red Bull Salzburg system and worked with Jaissle during his time in Austria. Their previous relationship could prove important as Newcastle look to build a squad capable of adapting quickly to the German coach’s demanding style.

Dedić spent much of his Salzburg career operating at right-back but has also shown the flexibility to play on the opposite side. That versatility is particularly attractive to Newcastle, who need greater depth across both full-back positions.

His profile also fits the intensity Jaissle wants from his teams.

Dedić is an aggressive runner who can carry the ball forward, attack space and provide width from deep. His 2025–26 numbers at Benfica underline that attacking contribution: one goal and four assists in 24 Primeira Liga appearances

He also possesses the athleticism required to play in a high-tempo system, something Jaissle has prioritised since arriving at St James’ Park.

Dedić, 23, was born in Austria but represents Bosnia and Herzegovina internationally. He came through Salzburg’s academy, also spending time with Liefering and Wolfsberger before establishing himself with the Austrian giants.

He eventually made nearly 100 senior appearances for Salzburg before moving permanently to Benfica in 2025.

The move to Portugal represented another step forward. At Benfica, Dedić has continued to develop as an attack-minded full-back and has earned regular opportunities in domestic and European competition. UEFA records him with 14 Champions League appearances for Benfica in the 2025–26 campaign, underlining the level of experience he has already accumulated at just 23.

He has also become an established member of the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team. His importance to the side was evident during their qualification for the 2026 World Cup, when he played the full match in the decisive play-off victory over Italy.

At the World Cup itself, Bosnia’s campaign ended with a 2–0 defeat by the United States in the round of 32.

This is not simply a move for another full-back.

Newcastle are attempting to build a squad with greater tactical flexibility, and Dedić offers precisely that. He can play on either side, contribute in possession and provide the athleticism needed to support an aggressive press.

That versatility could become especially valuable across a long Premier League season.

There is also an element of continuity in the recruitment.

Jaissle knows Dedić’s qualities first-hand. The Newcastle coach previously worked with him at Salzburg, and Dedić has already shown that he can operate within the sort of high-intensity environment Jaissle wants to establish at St James’ Park. Recent reporting confirms that Jaissle has approved the player as a Newcastle target and that Dedić is keen on the move.

For Benfica, meanwhile, the decision is more complicated. The Portuguese club only signed Dedić from Salzburg last summer for around €12m and handed him a contract running until 2030. A sale for around £28m would therefore represent a sizeable return on their investment.