Newcastle progressing with move for Benfica defender Dedic

What the report says

Newcastle United are in advanced talks with Benfica over a move for defender Amar Dedic, according to BBC Sport Football. The Premier League club are seeking cover at right-back after Kieran Trippier left for Wolves on a free transfer when his contract ended earlier this summer. Dedic, who is 23, is a Bosnia and Herzegovina international and previously played under Newcastle manager Matthias Jaissle at RB Salzburg, where he was part of a title-winning side in 2023.

The BBC reports that Newcastle are continuing discussions with Benfica and that Dedic is valued at around £30m. If the transfer goes through, he could be available quickly because Newcastle may need reinforcement before their season opener against Liverpool on 23 August. That timing matters because Tino Livramento is still recovering from a calf injury picked up while on England duty in June.

The article also highlights Dedic’s recent numbers in Portugal, where he ranked among the league’s leading full-backs for carries into the attacking third and for progressive carries. He has 31 caps for Bosnia and Herzegovina, adding to his profile as an experienced young defender. More broadly, the move would fit Newcastle’s effort to strengthen their defensive options ahead of a busy campaign.