Newcastle sign Benfica right-back Ammar Dedic on his birthday

Newcastle United have signed Bosnia and Herzegovina right-back Ammar Dedic from Benfica on a five-year contract, with the announcement coming on the player’s birthday.

The transfer was agreed at a fee of 35m euros, according to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano. Benfica have also retained a clause entitling them to a percentage of any future sale of the defender.

Benfica were keen to keep Dedic, but the player made a move to Newcastle his priority. He is also understood to be excited about the prospect of working with new manager Matthias Jaissle.

Dedic joined Benfica in the summer of 2025 from Austrian club Salzburg. He made 46 appearances for Ajax, scoring once and providing five assists, before his move to Portugal.

He won the 2026 Portuguese Super Cup with Benfica.

The transfer is Newcastle’s latest significant development as they prepare for the new season under Jaissle, who took charge only a few days ago after succeeding Eddie Howe.

Newcastle have seen several prominent players leave during the summer. Antony Gordon has moved to Barcelona, Bruno Guimaraes has joined Arsenal and Sandro Tonali has departed for Tottenham.

The club have played five pre-season matches ahead of their opening fixture in the new campaign.

They began their preparations with a 3-0 victory over Darlington before drawing 1-1 with Gateshead. Newcastle then suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat by Bristol City.

Jaissle’s first match in charge brought a 2-1 win over Valencia, but Newcastle followed that result with a 3-1 defeat by Everton.

They are due to play their final friendly of the summer against Bayer Leverkusen at 17:00 BST on Saturday.

Newcastle finished 12th in the previous season with 49 points. Their first competitive match of the new campaign will be against Liverpool at St James’ Park next Sunday.

The arrival of Dedic gives Jaissle another option at right-back as he begins reshaping the squad. The defender’s five-year agreement represents a long-term commitment from Newcastle, while the 35m-euro fee makes him a notable addition during a period of considerable change at the club.

Dedic’s move also brings him back to English football preparations after his time with Benfica, where he helped the Portuguese side win silverware in 2026. His decision to pursue the Newcastle transfer despite Benfica’s desire to retain him was influenced by the opportunity to work with Jaissle and begin a new chapter at St James’ Park.