Newcastle United have endured a turbulent summer, with Eddie Howe’s departure coming as a major surprise before Bruno Guimarães and Sandro Tonali also moved on to Arsenal and Tottenham respectively.
The Magpies have needed some positive news, and they have now provided it with the arrival of a versatile young defender who already knows their new head coach well.
Newcastle Sign Dedic
Newcastle United have completed the signing of Bosnia and Herzegovina international Amar Dedic from Benfica for £29.5 million, with the defender putting pen to paper on a five-year contract.
The 24-year-old becomes the sixth senior arrival of the summer and will take the No 37 shirt at St James’ Park.
Dedic is capable of operating at either full-back position, giving Matthias Jaissle another versatile option in defence. The pair are also familiar with one another, having previously worked together at both Red Bull Salzburg and Liefering.
The Bosnian made 95 appearances for Salzburg before spells with Marseille and Benfica. He even faced Newcastle in the Champions League last season while representing the Portuguese giants.
Dedic has also established himself at international level, earning 31 caps for Bosnia and Herzegovina and featuring at this summer’s World Cup.
The new Magpies signing has been described as “explosive” by former Bosnia star Miralem Pjanić, and Newcastle will be hoping his pace, versatility and familiarity with Jaissle can make him an immediate asset as they begin a new chapter.
