Newcastle Pushing for Dedic to Feature Next Weekend

Newcastle aims to finalize the signing of Amar Dedic in the coming days and is accelerating negotiations with Benfica. The North East club is eager to close the deal as quickly as possible but has yet to meet the €35 million asking price from the Portuguese giants. However, personal terms have been agreed with the right-back for a five-year contract.

All is set in Newcastle for the final push to sign Dedic. The Magpies have offered €30 million and are open to including performance-related bonuses, but Benfica is holding firm on a fixed €35 million to release the 23-year-old Bosnian international. The next few days, or even hours, are expected to bring significant developments. Rui Costa, Benfica's president, is aware of Newcastle's urgency and is currently unwilling to make any concessions to let Dedic leave.

In their pre-season matches, Newcastle has been relying on two academy full-backs—19-year-old Leo Shahar and 17-year-old Mason Miley—due to the injury absence of Tino Livramento. The 23-year-old English international, who has Portuguese heritage through his father, sustained a calf muscle injury shortly before England's World Cup kick-off. He was released from the national squad, underwent surgery, and remains unavailable.

On Friday, he posted gym training photos and an hourglass emoji on social media, hinting at a return. However, according to English press reports, he is not expected to be an option for the opening weekend. It remains unclear when he will be back, as he will also need time to regain match fitness.

It is within this context that Newcastle's urgency has grown. The club sent a scout to Edinburgh to watch Benfica's Europa League third qualifying round second-leg match against Hearts, where Dedic started for the first time and played the full 90 minutes.

The Bosnian international is keen on a move to Newcastle, attracted by the prospect of playing in the Premier League, a substantial salary increase, and a reunion with coach Matthias Jaissle and his assistant, Florens Koch. Dedic previously worked with them at Salzburg, with Koch being particularly instrumental in his individual development during his transition to professional football.

Signed by Benfica from Salzburg a year ago for €10 million, the Bosnian international is under contract until 2030 and has a €50 million release clause. Last season, he benefited from Alexander Bah's recovery from a serious left knee injury, paving his way to a starting role at Benfica. He made 43 appearances, scoring one goal and providing four assists. He established himself as one of the squad's most consistent performers and also attracted interest from Leverkusen, against whom Newcastle plays their final pre-season friendly this Saturday.

Newcastle is therefore eager to secure Dedic quickly, allowing him time for medical examinations and physical tests, ensuring he is available for their Premier League opener against Liverpool on Sunday, the 23rd.