Newcastle United Advances in Amar Dedic Transfer Talks
Newcastle United’s move for Amar Dedic has moved firmly into the advanced stage, with the player understood to have agreed personal terms ahead of a proposed switch to St. James’ Park.
Bosnian outlet SportSport, via reporter Midhat Sljivak, claims the Benfica right-back has given the green light to the transfer, leaving the two clubs to thrash out the final figures.
“The great right-back has already agreed to the transfer and negotiations are ongoing with Benfica regarding the amount of the compensation,” Sljivak reported, underlining how far discussions have already progressed.
Fee gap on the table
The deal is not done yet. One issue remains: price.
According to Sljivak, Benfica are holding out for around €33 million (£29 million). Newcastle, by contrast, intend to open talks at €25 million (£22 million) and are said to be drawing a hard line at €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.”
That stance sets up a short but decisive negotiation. The gap is not enormous, yet Newcastle’s insistence on a ceiling adds an edge to the final round of talks.
Newcastle’s full-back urgency
The pursuit of Dedic is not a luxury move. It is a necessity.
The Athletic’s Chris Waugh confirmed this week that the 23-year-old is firmly on Newcastle’s list, stressing how badly the club need another senior option at full-back after Wednesday’s 3-1 pre-season defeat to Everton.
“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 versatility carries particular weight right now. Lewis Hall has only just returned from injury and has been linked with a possible move to Manchester United, while Tino Livramento remains sidelined and is battling to be fit for the Premier League opener against Liverpool.
In that context, a defender who can cover both flanks and already understands Gerhard Jaissle’s methods from their time together at Red Bull Salzburg looks tailor-made for Newcastle’s immediate needs.
Benfica ready to sell
Despite the current difference in valuation, there is growing optimism around a breakthrough.
SportSport report that Benfica are prepared to sanction Dedic’s exit without dragging the saga out, a key factor that could smooth over the final few million in negotiations.
“There will be no problems in the agreement, because the Portuguese giant is ready to sell the Bosnian football player,” Sljivak stated. “Dedic should go to Newcastle very soon.”
If that proves accurate, Newcastle look set to land a 23-year-old full-back with European experience, positional flexibility and a manager who already trusts him — all for a fee that tests, but does not shatter, their stated limit.
