Amar Dedic completes £29.5m transfer from Benfica to Newcastle

Amar Dedic completed a £29.5m move from Benfica to Newcastle on 18 August 2026, rejoining Matthias Jaissle at St James’ Park. The right-back has signed for the Premier League club during a busy summer on Tyneside.

The 24-year-old Bosnia and Herzegovina international becomes Newcastle’s sixth signing of a turbulent summer and arrives having worked under Jaissle previously at RB Salzburg. Club sources expect him to strengthen the full-back options available to the new coaching setup.

“Working with Matthias again was a big factor for me,” said Dedic, who previously played for Newcastle’s new manager at RB Salzburg. “We know each other well; he knows what I can bring to the pitch and I’m really happy to play for him again. It’s a special feeling and a real honour to join Newcastle.”

Tino Livramento is still recovering from a calf injury, a situation that exposed Newcastle’s shortage of senior right-backs during pre-season. Soon after replacing Eddie Howe earlier this month, Jaissle advised club executives that Dedic could fill that vacant role.

The signing is aided by Dedic’s versatility; he is also comfortable operating at left-back and is reported to understand the German’s playing philosophy. That adaptability contributed to the decision to pursue him.

Sunderland, meanwhile, are set to announce the acquisition of Toulouse defender Dayann Methalie on Tuesday after fending off competition from Roma and Newcastle to secure the 20-year-old for £25.6m. The France Under-21 international made 28 Ligue 1 appearances last season, has signed a five-year contract at the Stadium of Light and will compete with Reinildo for a place in Régis Le Bris’ team; he can play as a left-sided central defender or at wing-back.

Dedic is likely to start at right-back at home to Liverpool on Sunday, and Sunderland’s signing of Methalie is due to be confirmed on Tuesday.