Newcastle United Advances in Amar Dedić Transfer Talks
Newcastle United’s chase for Amar Dedić has moved into a decisive phase, with the Benfica defender understood to have agreed personal terms ahead of a proposed switch to St James’ Park.
Bosnian outlet SportSport, through reporter Midhat Sljivak, claims the 23-year-old right-back has given the green light to the move, leaving Newcastle and Benfica haggling over the final transfer fee. As Sljivak put it, “the great right-back has already agreed to the transfer and negotiations are ongoing with Benfica regarding the amount of the compensation.”
The groundwork has been laid quickly. Newcastle opened talks earlier this week, and The Athletic’s Chris Waugh confirmed Dedić as a firm target in the aftermath of Wednesday’s 3-1 preseason defeat to Everton, a night that underlined just how thin Eddie Howe’s options are at full-back.
Newcastle’s full-back problem
The need is stark. Waugh stressed that Newcastle “desperately” need to bring in at least one full-back. Dedić fits that brief in more ways than one. He is primarily a right-back, but he can operate on both flanks, a flexibility that appeals to a squad already stretched before the Premier League has even kicked off.
There is also a tactical familiarity at play. Dedić previously worked under new head coach Matthias Jaissle at Red Bull Salzburg, a link that gives Newcastle confidence the defender can adapt quickly to the German’s demands and style.
All of this comes at a time when the club’s defensive resources are creaking. Lewis Hall only just returned from injury against Everton and is being linked with a possible move to Manchester United. On the opposite side, Tino Livramento remains out and is racing to be fit for the Premier League opener against Liverpool. In that context, Dedić’s ability to cover both sides of the defence carries extra weight.
The numbers game
One issue remains: price.
According to Sljivak, Benfica are holding out for around €33 million (£29 million). Newcastle, by contrast, plan to open negotiations at €25 million (£22 million) and do not want to go beyond €30 million (£26 million).
“The maximum offer for Dedić will be €30 million,” Sljivak reported. “Of course, they will start with a slightly lower figure of €25 million, but they are ready to go up to €30 million. ‘We don’t want to give a cent more,’ is the clear message from England to the Portuguese giant.”
So the gap is there, but it is not vast. And that is where optimism creeps in for Newcastle.
Benfica ready to sell
Despite the difference in valuation, SportSport suggests an agreement is likely. The key factor: Benfica are prepared to sanction Dedić’s departure without dragging the saga through the final weeks of the window.
“There will be no problems in the agreement, because the Portuguese giant is ready to sell the Bosnian football player,” Sljivak reported. “Dedić should go to Newcastle very soon.”
With personal terms understood to be settled and the player keen, the deal now rests on whether Benfica soften their stance or Newcastle edge slightly closer to that €33 million mark they are currently resisting.
Newcastle’s hierarchy must decide how far their desperation at full-back stretches into the balance sheet. Is a €30 million ceiling firm, or does the need for a ready-made starter on both flanks push them to bend their own line in the sand?
