Newcastle United Advances in Amar Dedic Transfer Negotiations
Newcastle United’s push for Amar Dedic has moved into a decisive phase, with the Benfica defender understood to have agreed personal terms ahead of a potential switch to St James’ Park.
Bosnian outlet SportSport, through reporter Midhat Sljivak, claims the 23-year-old right-back has “already agreed to the transfer,” leaving Newcastle and Benfica to thrash out the fee that will decide whether the move actually happens.
Fee stand-off takes centre stage
This is where the deal now lives or dies.
Benfica are said to be holding out for around €33 million (£29 million). Newcastle, according to the same report, plan to open negotiations at €25 million (£22 million) and are prepared to climb only as high as €30 million (£26 million).
“The maximum offer for Dedic will be €30 million,” Sljivak reported. “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.”
So the gap is small but significant. Three million euros between Benfica’s stance and Newcastle’s ceiling. One side wants to squeeze every last cent out of a valuable asset, the other is drawing a firm line in the sand.
SportSport, though, expects that difference to be bridged. Sljivak reports that Benfica are ready to sanction Dedic’s departure and do not anticipate major obstacles to an agreement, adding that the Bosnian defender “should go to Newcastle very soon.”
Newcastle’s full-back crisis sharpens the need
The urgency at Newcastle is real, and it’s been laid bare this week.
The Athletic’s Chris Waugh confirmed Dedic as a concrete Newcastle target after Wednesday’s 3-1 preseason defeat to Everton, underlining how badly the club need another senior full-back.
“Newcastle desperately need to sign (at least) one, and Dedic is a target,” Waugh reported.
He noted that the 23-year-old is primarily a right-back but can operate on both flanks, a flexibility that appeals to the club. Dedic also worked under manager Matthias Jaissle at Red Bull Salzburg, a key connection that should ease his adaptation and give the German coach confidence he can meet tactical demands quickly.
That versatility suddenly looks priceless.
Lewis Hall made his return from injury in that loss to Everton but is linked with a possible move to Manchester United. Tino Livramento remains sidelined and is battling to be fit in time for the Premier League opener against Liverpool. With options thinning and the fixture list looming, Newcastle’s margin for error at full-back is shrinking fast.
Dedic, in that context, is not just another name on a shortlist. He is a potential solution.
A deal within reach
All roads now lead back to the negotiating table.
Benfica want €33 million. Newcastle insist they will not go beyond €30 million. Personal terms, according to reports, are already in place. The player is ready. The need at St James’ Park is obvious. The selling club is described as willing.
The final act is about price, pride and how far each side is prepared to bend.
If Newcastle hold their line and Benfica soften theirs, Amar Dedic could soon be walking out at St James’ Park as the club’s new answer at full-back. If not, the search continues — and with Liverpool on the horizon, how long can Newcastle afford to wait?
