Newcastle United have finalized an agreement with Benfica to acquire defender Amar Dedic in a transfer valued at £29.5m. The 23-year-old right-back is anticipated to undergo a medical examination on Monday before formally joining the club. While administrative procedures remain, officials are optimistic that Dedic will be registered as a Newcastle player in advance of their Premier League opener against Liverpool next Sunday.
The acquisition addresses a positional need created by Kieran Trippier’s summer departure to Wolves on a free transfer. Dedic’s arrival comes as right-back Tino Livramento continues rehabilitation from a calf injury sustained during England’s international matches in June. The defender previously worked with Newcastle head coach Matthias Jaissle at Red Bull Salzburg, where he contributed to the club’s Austrian Bundesliga title retention in 2023. A Bosnia and Herzegovina international, Dedic has earned 31 caps for his nation and appeared in three of his country’s four matches at the World Cup.
Separately, Newcastle remain engaged in negotiations regarding midfielder Joao Palhinha from Bayern Munich on a permanent basis. The club aims to reinforce their midfield options following the collapse of pursuits for Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and a proposed loan arrangement with Aston Villa for Palhinha. Bayern Munich have declined to negotiate a loan deal for the midfielder, with sporting director Max Eberl confirming this position. Palhinha is currently evaluating his options, which encompass potential moves to Portuguese clubs Benfica and Sporting, a permanent stay at Bayern, or another Premier League opportunity, with indications suggesting a preference for remaining in English football if feasible.
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