Amar Dedic has completed his move to Newcastle United from Benfica this week, bringing the club’s hunt for a new right-back to a close.
Dedic has committed to a five-year contract at St James’ Park and will work under Matthias Jaissle once again, having achieved considerable success together during their time at RB Salzburg.
The Bosnian international’s path to this point has not been easy, having grown up as the child of Bosnian migrants in the Austrian ski resort of Zell Am See.
Those who have observed Dedic throughout his career consistently point to his commitment and hard work as the foundation of his progress, and when he pledged to give everything for Newcastle supporters, it was evident these were genuine words from the Bosnia and Herzegovina player.
He will vie for the right-back position with Tino Livramento this campaign and faces the significant task of filling the void left by club stalwart Kieran Trippier.
Chronicle Live has traced his development through RB Salzburg, Wolfsberger AC, Marseille and Benfica to assess whether he is the right addition for Newcastle’s sixth summer signing.
Dedic progressed through RB Salzburg’s youth system, catching attention at each level. When he departed on loan to Wolfsberger AC, he adapted seamlessly.
The 24-year-old made 37 appearances across all competitions and became a regular starter as the club finished fourth in the Austrian Bundesliga and reached the Austrian Cup semi-finals.
He arrived at the club as a teenager but impressed the senior players in the squad, quickly becoming well-liked in the dressing room at the Lavanttal-Arena.
Michael Liendl, who played alongside Dedic at Wolfsberger AC, described him as a player who offers considerable dynamism, is comfortable using both feet and possesses excellent dribbling skills. He noted that Dedic consistently puts the team first and maintains a positive outlook. According to Liendl, from the very first training session at Wolfsberger AC, it was evident Dedic was a highly talented player with a strong mindset. He was eager to learn and always seeking ways to develop. As a teammate, Dedic was pleasant to be around and remained calm and relaxed.
His performances at Wolfsberger were impressive enough to earn a return to Salzburg, where he immediately gained Jaissle’s confidence during the manager’s second season in charge at the Austrian club.
He rapidly became a key player in the team and concluded the campaign with his first trophy, the Austrian Bundesliga championship, along with experience in both the Champions League and Europa League.
After Jaissle moved on to manage Al-Ahli, Dedic continued to thrive under subsequent managers Gerhard Struber, Oner Cinel and former Liverpool and Manchester City assistant Pep Lijnders.
Michael Unverdorben, deputy head of sport at Salzburg Nachrichten, explained that Dedic was born in Salzburg to Bosnian immigrant parents who were employed in the hospitality sector in Zell am See. He characterised Dedic as someone who works extremely hard, always aware that considerable effort would be required to achieve success. Dedic is quick, capable of operating as a winger and created numerous goals for Salzburg in that position.
Lijnders included Dedic in his five-man leadership group at the Red Bull Arena, and when Lijnders departed in December 2024, Dedic began considering other options.
A second-half of the season loan stint at Marseille followed, but rather than making his time in southern France permanent, he transferred to Benfica and spent a season working under Jose Mourinho.
His impact at Benfica was immediate, and he rapidly became an important player for the Portuguese club. It was at Benfica where Dedic first experienced St James’ Park during a 3-0 loss to Newcastle in the Champions League, and his athletic approach to the game won him admirers in Lisbon.
Alfredo Fumacas of the Benfica Podcast described Dedic as a contemporary, highly athletic and technically skilled full-back who primarily operates on the right side but has the tactical awareness and positional flexibility to play on either flank. He noted that Dedic excels at supporting attacks, using his high energy levels to overlap, provide width and deliver threatening crosses into the penalty area. Fumacas suggested Dedic is better suited to systems that allow him to use the full width of the pitch, as he frequently advances into the final third to link with midfielders and creative players. Defensively, Dedic is proactive, disciplined and effective in ground challenges, though some refinement of his blindside defending to stop opponents from anticipating his movements from behind remains necessary. Newcastle supporters can anticipate an energetic, tactically aware modern full-back who is technically accomplished when moving forward with the ball, though some defensive refinement still needs to occur.
His single season at Estadio da Luz resulted in victory in the Portuguese Super Cup, an unbeaten league campaign and a remarkable Champions League triumph over Real Madrid that secured their place in the knockout rounds.
He had already made three appearances this season, with the Portuguese league already underway and Benfica competing in the early qualifying stages of the Europa League.
New Benfica manager Marco Silva had been planning the season with Dedic in his plans and was disappointed to see him leave. However, the fee and sell-on clause Benfica managed to secure forced the Portuguese club to reluctantly accept the transfer.
Fumacas noted that the response in Lisbon mixed reluctance with sporting disappointment. Benfica had invested significantly in keeping the Bosnian international since he only arrived the previous season, and he represented one of their few successful signings. The club would have preferred him to remain central to their project. However, with a substantial financial package agreed and Dedic making clear his priority was joining Newcastle, largely motivated by his wish to reunite with his former coach, the club ultimately accepted while securing a favourable sell-on arrangement.
Dedic’s previous connection with Jaissle should stand him in good stead for Premier League success, particularly given Newcastle began the summer with no established right-backs. His arrival has coincided with Livramento’s recovery from injury, and he will prove valuable to Jaissle, who has been Newcastle’s head coach for only two weeks, as someone who fully understands what the German requires from his players.
Unverdorben observed that Dedic earned popularity because supporters respected his performances. Jaissle knows precisely what type of players are needed for success, primarily those who work tirelessly.
That approach has stood Dedic in good stead since his initial loan spell at Wolfsberger, and Liendl believes it was evident even then that Dedic possessed the qualities needed for a successful career. He expressed pleasure at having been able to play a small role in Dedic’s development and accompany him on his journey. Liendl is confident that Dedic’s determination, resilience and quality will enable him to adapt well to the Premier League and establish himself there.
Fumacas shared this view, responding affirmatively when asked whether Dedic would succeed in the Premier League. He noted that Dedic arrives with an impressive record that includes high-level Champions League experience with Red Bull Salzburg and Benfica, alongside international appearances for Bosnia and Herzegovina. Crucially, his existing relationship with his former manager provides an immediate tactical advantage, helping him adjust to the pace and physical demands of English football. His combination of durability, tactical flexibility and technical ability suggests he will transition smoothly and achieve success in the Premier League.
Dedic could be available for immediate selection on Sunday, when Liverpool visit St James’ Park for what would be his Newcastle United debut.