Newcastle United have moved swiftly to address one of their most pressing positional needs, completing the signing of defender Amar Dedic from Benfica for around £30 million. The 24-year-old, who put pen to paper on a five-year contract after passing a medical on Tyneside on Monday, arrives as the club's answer to the departure of veteran right-back Kieran Trippier, who joined Wolverhampton Wanderers on a free transfer when his contract expired earlier in the summer.

The timing of the announcement carries a pleasing symmetry — Tuesday was Dedic's 24th birthday, and the Bosnian international did not hide his delight at the move. "It's a special feeling and a really big honour for me to join Newcastle United," he said. "I'm really happy to be here and can't wait to start playing for the club and the amazing fans."

A reunion with Jaissle

Central to Dedic's decision to move to the North East was the presence of head coach Matthias Jaissle, with whom the defender previously won the Austrian Bundesliga title at Red Bull Salzburg in 2023. That existing relationship could prove decisive in how quickly Dedic settles, given that he already understands what Jaissle demands from his full-backs — athleticism, progressive carrying of the ball, and the willingness to push high up the touchline in attack as well as hold firm defensively.

Jaissle was equally enthusiastic about the reunion. "He's a player who I know really well, having worked with him from a young age in Austria and followed his career since," the manager said. "He will bring both defensive and attacking qualities to our squad, which suits the style of football that we want to play. He's athletic, aggressive and technically very good, but also has a lot of potential to develop further."

Immediate pressure at St James' Park

Dedic may have precious little time to find his feet. Newcastle face Liverpool at St James' Park on Sunday in their Premier League season opener, and with Tino Livramento still recovering from a calf injury he sustained on England duty in June, the new signing could find himself starting against one of the country's most formidable attacking units within days of his arrival on Tyneside.

It would not be his first visit to the ground. Dedic was part of the Benfica side that were beaten 3-0 by Newcastle in the Champions League last season, so the stadium holds memories he will be keen to overwrite in different colours.

The numbers from his time in Portugal suggest he has the tools to cope. Despite making only 24 appearances in the Primeira Liga last season, he ranked second among full-backs for carries into the attacking third, underlining his ability to contribute going forward in spades. His versatility — he can also provide cover at left-back — adds further value to a squad that sporting director Ross Wilson has described as benefiting from a player who is "incredibly hungry" to prove himself at this level.

Part of a broader rebuild

Dedic is only the second player over the age of 20 among Newcastle's summer signings — an indication of the long-term, youth-oriented strategy the club are pursuing. He joins goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek in that bracket, making him something of an outlier in what has otherwise been a recruitment drive focused heavily on younger talent.

Nonetheless, the market suggests Newcastle expect him to contribute immediately, and with the transfer window closing on 1 September, further business is understood to be on the agenda before then. For now, though, the priority is clear: get Dedic up to speed and ready for one of English football's most atmospheric occasions — a full house at St James' Park on a Premier League matchday.

Frequently asked

How much did Newcastle pay for Amar Dedic?
Newcastle United paid around £30 million to sign Amar Dedic from Benfica. He has joined on a five-year deal.
What position does Amar Dedic play?
Dedic is primarily a right-back but can also provide cover at left-back, giving Newcastle additional versatility in their defensive options.
Will Dedic play against Liverpool on Sunday?
He could feature. With Tino Livramento still recovering from a calf injury, Dedic may be called upon for Newcastle's Premier League opener against Liverpool at St James' Park, though it will depend on how quickly he adapts in training.