Newcastle Moves for Dedić: Jaissle Wants the Dragon
The English club has officially opened talks with Benfica for the Bosnian international. Former Salzburg coach plays a key role, and the transfer could be completed by the end of the summer window.
The English club has officially opened talks with Benfica for the Bosnian international. Former Salzburg coach plays a key role, and the transfer could be completed by the end of the summer window.
Bosnian international Amar Dedić is on the verge of a major move to the English Premier League. Newcastle United have officially opened negotiations with Benfica for the 23-year-old right-back, with the deal being spearheaded by his former coach and new Magpies manager, Matthias Jaissle.
That a transfer is on the horizon was confirmed by transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano. On his Twitter profile, he reported that talks between the clubs began today, August 11. "Newcastle are in talks with Benfica for 23-year-old full-back Amar Dedić. Talks started today and Dedić is keen on the move, with Matthias Jaissle also approving the transfer," Romano wrote.
This information was first reported by journalist Sam C, whose claims were confirmed by Romano. Sam C noted that Dedić has been on Newcastle's radar as the club assesses defensive options ahead of the new season, and it is particularly interesting that the player previously worked with Jaissle at RB Salzburg.
It is precisely their shared history at the Austrian club that is the key factor in this story. Jaissle knows Dedić's qualities firsthand, and the German coach is believed to be the main advocate for his arrival at St. James' Park. Their successful partnership in Salzburg could now be set to continue in England.
Dedić arrived in Lisbon last summer from Austria, with Benfica paying €12 million for him. In his first season under José Mourinho, he enjoyed significant playing time, but the situation changed after the Portuguese's departure to Real Madrid. At the start of the new season, Dedić has lost his place in the starting lineup, which has opened the door for a potential exit.
For the Portuguese giants, Dedić has so far made 44 appearances, with a modest return of one goal and five assists. While the numbers are not impressive, his performances at right-back have attracted the attention of major European clubs. Before Newcastle, the Bosnian international was also linked with Turkish side Fenerbahçe.
Newcastle's financial capabilities should not be an issue, but Benfica will certainly not let their player go easily. The coming days are expected to bring more concrete information about the transfer fee and the final outcome of this transfer saga.
If the transfer goes through, Dedić would become the second Bosnian international in English football. Recently, Tarik Muharemović has already made a move to Leeds United, and now there is a real possibility that Dedić could join him in the Premier League.
By the end of the summer transfer window, it should be known whether the 23-year-old will continue fighting for minutes in Lisbon or take on the challenge and play under a coach who highly values him once again.
