Newcastle signs Bosnian defender Didic

Newcastle announced yesterday that they have signed Bosnian defender Amar Dedić from Portuguese club Benfica in a deal valued at $40 million. Dedić, 24, who featured for his national team in the last World Cup, has signed a five-year contract. The right-back, born in Austria, will play under Newcastle’s new German manager Matthias Jaissle, with whom he won the Austrian league title with Red Bull Salzburg in 2023. Dedić (31 caps) joined Red Bull Salzburg in 2019 and played for their reserve side, Liefering, where he worked under Jaissle for the first time. He also spent loan spells with Austrian side Wolfsberger AC and French club Marseille before moving to Benfica on a permanent deal.

Speaking on the signing, Jaissle said: “I am very happy to add Amar to our squad. I know him well; I have worked with him since he was young in Austria and have followed his career ever since. He will add defensive and attacking qualities to the team, which fits the style of football we want to play. He has good physical attributes, competitiveness, and a high technical level, and he still has great potential for further development.” He added: “Amar is still young, but he already has plenty of experience. He has played in the Champions League and the World Cup, and has represented top clubs in Austria, France, and Portugal. I am looking forward to working with him again.”

Newcastle endured a difficult summer with the departures of winger Anthony Gordon to Spanish club Barcelona, Italian midfielder Sandro Tonali to Tottenham, and Brazilian Bruno Guimarães to Arsenal. The club also saw the departure of highly regarded manager Eddie Howe after five years in charge. Newcastle begin their Premier League campaign against Liverpool next Sunday.