Newcastle United Pursues Amar Dedic Amid Benfica Negotiations

Newcastle United’s move for Amar Dedic has accelerated, with the Benfica defender reported to have agreed personal terms ahead of a potential switch to St James’ Park.

Bosnian outlet SportSport, via journalist Midhat Sljivak, claims the 23-year-old right-back has given the green light to the transfer, leaving Newcastle and Benfica to thrash out the final details of the fee.

“The great right-back has already agreed to the transfer and negotiations are ongoing with Benfica regarding the amount of the compensation,” Sljivak reported.

Fee standoff, but a clear price line from Newcastle

There is still a gap between the clubs. Benfica are said to be holding out for €33 million (£29 million). Newcastle, according to the same report, plan to open at €25 million (£22 million) and are unwilling to go beyond €30 million (£26 million).

“The maximum offer for Dedic will be €30 million,” Sljivak added. “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.”

SportSport expects that stance not to derail the deal, stressing that Benfica are prepared to sanction Dedic’s departure quickly and that an agreement is anticipated.

“There will be no problems in the agreement, because the Portuguese giant is ready to sell the Bosnian football player,” Sljivak said. “Dedic should go to Newcastle very soon.”

A right-back who can cover both flanks

Newcastle’s interest in Dedic emerged earlier this week, with talks opened over a player who has already worked under new head coach Matthias Jaissle at Red Bull Salzburg.

The Athletic’s Chris Waugh confirmed Dedic as a firm target after Wednesday’s 3-1 preseason defeat to Everton, underlining how thin Newcastle are in the full-back positions.

“Newcastle desperately need to sign (at least) one, and Dedic is a target,” Waugh reported. “The 23-year-old is predominantly a right-back but can play down both sides, which is desirable, and he worked under Jaissle at Red Bull Salzburg, so the German will be confident that Dedic can fulfil his demands swiftly.”

That flexibility matters. Lewis Hall has only just returned from injury in the Everton defeat and could yet seek a move to Manchester United, while Tino Livramento is still sidelined and battling to be fit for the Premier League opener against Liverpool.

So Newcastle push on. The personal terms are understood to be in place. The need at full-back is obvious. Now the question is simple: will Benfica blink at €30 million, or will Newcastle be forced to test their own resolve on a player they clearly believe fits Jaissle’s blueprint?