Newcastle Confirm Amar Dedic Transfer — Jaissle's Reunion With Ex-Salzburg Star

Newcastle United have completed the signing of Bosnia and Herzegovina international Amar Dedic from Benfica in a deal worth £29.5m, handing new head coach Matthias Jaissle a major defensive boost ahead of the new Premier League season.

Dedic has put pen to paper on a five-year contract at St James' Park and will wear the No 37 shirt. The 24-year-old becomes Jaissle's first signing as Newcastle boss following the German's arrival as Eddie Howe's successor.

The move also reunites manager and player. Dedic previously worked under Jaissle at both FC Liefering and Red Bull Salzburg, where he developed into one of the club's most versatile defensive options.

"Working with Matthias again was a big factor for me," Dedic said after completing the move. "We know each other well, he knows what I can bring on the pitch and I'm really happy to be playing for him again."

That existing familiarity could prove valuable as Newcastle enter a new era. Jaissle has already signalled he wants his side to play with intensity, aggression and attacking purpose — and Dedic's ability to operate on either flank gives him extra options as he reshapes the squad.

Jaissle believes the Bosnian can make an impact straight away, describing him as a player who blends defensive strength with attacking quality.

"He's athletic, aggressive and technically very good, but also has a lot of potential to develop further," Jaissle said.

Newcastle sporting director Ross Wilson echoed that assessment, calling Dedic a "modern full-back" capable of playing on both sides and strengthening the squad immediately.

Despite his age, Dedic arrives with plenty of experience. He came through the Red Bull system and made 95 appearances for Salzburg, contributing eight goals and 15 assists during his time in Austria.

His path included a loan spell at Wolfsberger AC and a temporary move to Marseille, before he returned to Salzburg and then joined Benfica permanently in 2025, spending last season in Portugal.

That Benfica spell also gave him a taste of English football from the away side — Dedic featured at St James' Park in the Champions League last season, meaning his first competitive Newcastle appearance could come at a ground he already knows.

The timing is significant. Dedic is now in contention to make his debut when Newcastle open their Premier League campaign against Liverpool on Sunday, August 23.

His versatility should help his case. Naturally a right-back, Dedic is equally capable on the left — giving Jaissle valuable flexibility across the full-back positions, particularly with Tino Livramento sidelined by a calf injury, potentially opening a route into the starting XI.

Dedic also brings international pedigree, with 31 caps for Bosnia and Herzegovina and a place in their squad at the 2026 World Cup — added experience for a Newcastle side undergoing major change.

For Dedic, it's another step in a career that has taken him through Austria, France and Portugal. For Jaissle, it's a signing with a built-in advantage: a player who already understands his methods and expectations.

It caps a turbulent summer at Newcastle, with sweeping changes to both squad and coaching staff. Jaissle's arrival has set a new direction, and Dedic's signing offers an early look at the profile of player the head coach wants to build around.

The £29.5m outlay is about more than adding a full-back — Newcastle have brought in a young, experienced defender who knows the manager's demands and can cover both flanks.

The question now is whether that familiarity translates into instant impact. If registered in time, Dedic's first outing could hardly be bigger: a debut at St James' Park against Liverpool, with the Toon Army watching for the first signs of the Jaissle era.