Newcastle United Moves Closer to Amar Dedic Transfer Deal
Newcastle United’s chase for Amar Dedic has moved into a decisive phase, with the player understood to have shaken hands on personal terms ahead of a proposed move to St. James’ Park.
Bosnian journalist Midhat Sljivak of SportSport reports that the Benfica full-back has already agreed to the transfer, leaving the two clubs to thrash out the final detail that really matters now: the fee.
“The great right-back has already agreed to the transfer and negotiations are ongoing with Benfica regarding the amount of the compensation,” Sljivak reported.
Fee standoff: €33m vs €30m ceiling
Newcastle opened talks for the 23-year-old earlier this week, stepping up their efforts after Wednesday’s 3-1 preseason defeat to Everton exposed just how thin Eddie Howe’s options are at full-back.
The Athletic’s Chris Waugh confirmed Dedic as a firm Newcastle target in the wake of that loss, underlining the urgency.
“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.”
The sticking point lies in Lisbon. According to Sljivak, Benfica are holding out for €33 million (£29 million). Newcastle, by contrast, intend to open negotiations at €25 million (£22 million) and have drawn 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.”
So the gap is clear. Benfica want top dollar. Newcastle are prepared to push, but not break.
Versatility Newcastle can’t ignore
Dedic’s appeal goes beyond a simple right-back fix. His ability to operate on both flanks has become particularly valuable given the current state of Newcastle’s defence.
Lewis Hall made his return from injury in the Everton defeat, but his future is clouded, with the possibility he could ask to move to Manchester United. On the opposite side, Tino Livramento remains sidelined and is in a race against time to be ready for the Premier League opener against Liverpool.
That leaves Howe staring at a looming season with a threadbare group of senior full-backs. Dedic, at 23, offers energy, familiarity with high-intensity football and a working relationship with Matthias Jaissle from their time together at Red Bull Salzburg — a combination Newcastle believe can translate quickly into the demands at St. James’ Park.
Benfica ready to sell
Despite the difference in valuation, there is optimism around the deal. SportSport suggests the negotiations should still find common ground because Benfica are ready to cash in and move swiftly.
“There will be no problems in the agreement, because the Portuguese giant is ready to sell the Bosnian football player,” Sljivak reported. “Dedic should go to Newcastle very soon.”
Newcastle have made their position clear. Benfica have signalled a willingness to sell. The player wants the move.
Now the question is simple: who blinks first on the fee?
