Newcastle United may have signed a gem in Amar Dedic, according to one ex-player who watched him perform for Benfica. The Bosnia and Herzegovina international has formalised a £29.5million move from the Portuguese side.
A Familiar Face at St James' Park
The 24-year-old will be reunited with Matthias Jaissle, having worked with the Magpies head coach at RB Salzburg. The right-back joined Benfica from Austrian side Liefering last summer and earned rave reviews in his one season in Portugal, but what kind of player are Newcastle getting?
According to former Benfica and Sporting Lisbon star Luis Filipe, who was on hand to witness Dedic's debut for The Eagles in August 2025, the Magpies have an assured and confident defender in their ranks who is capable of winning over fussy fans in an instant.
Instant Impact at Benfica
Filipe, a former right-back himself, paid close attention to Dedic in his first game for the Portuguese outfit. It came against CD Tondela and the full-back received a standing ovation when he was substituted in the 67th minute, after providing an assist.
It was a hugely exciting performance from the player who went on to represent Benfica 46 times. Filipe, 47, speaking to Portuguese outlet A Bola last year said: "At Benfica, you either love someone or hate them, and Dedic has already won them over."
What Dedic Brings to Newcastle
On the attributes he can bring to St James' Park, he added: "He's a very direct player with a strong attacking inclination. Not being very exposed defensively, he found the conditions to be more free in offensive terms."
"In defensive terms, there may be things where he will have more difficulties, but he is clearly very offensive and creates many imbalances, which nowadays is a great asset for a club of Benfica's size."
"He's a player with the characteristic of cutting inside, as well as being very direct. But he knows how to drive inside and create that imbalance, escaping the touchline, which normally leaves the full-back more limited, as he can only go to one side. The fact that Dedic cuts inside gives him more options; he's strong in carrying the ball into central areas."
Ready for Premier League Debut
Dedic has signed a five-year deal at Newcastle and will go straight into the squad for Sunday's Premier League opener against Liverpool.
"It's a special feeling and a really big honour for me to join Newcastle United," he said after the move was announced on his 24th birthday. "I'm really happy to be here and can't wait to start playing for the club and the amazing fans."
"Working with Matthias again was a big factor for me. We know each other well, he knows what I can bring on the pitch and I'm really happy to be playing for him again."
"Playing Premier League football at St. James' Park is going to be really special. Every game feels like a big occasion, with an amazing atmosphere. I'm really excited to get started."
