Amar Dedic Ends Newcastle's Goalkeeping Conundrum
Newcastle United has reportedly agreed personal terms with Amar Dedic on a five-year contract, with the Bosnian goalkeeper expected to fly to England for a medical shortly.
The signing is a major coup for manager Edin Jaissle, who has been left without a natural senior option at right-back after the departure of Kieran Trippier. Dedic primarily plays right-back but has the versatility to cover the left flank, giving Jaissle a squad piece rather than a single-position specialist.
The deal, reportedly worth around €30 million as a package deal with Benfica, has been consistent across multiple outlets over the past days. Dedic's expected arrival will give Newcastle a much-needed boost ahead of the Premier League opener against Liverpool on August 23.
Dedic's relationship with Jaissle is also a significant factor in his decision to join Newcastle. The two worked together at Red Bull Salzburg before Dedic's move to Benfifa last year, and Jaissle has been framing this familiarity as a driving factor in Dedic's decision to prioritize Newcastle over staying in Lisbon.
The Salzburg connection is a key aspect of the deal, as it gives Jaissle a player who already understands what he wants tactically. This is a major plus for a manager still just weeks into the job and trying to establish an identity after the departure of Eddie Howe.
Newcastle's summer has been dominated by outgoing headlines, with Bruno Guimaraes joining Arsenal, Sandro Tonali joining Tottenham, and Anthony Gordon gone to Barcelona. The reported move for Dedic is a significant step in rebuilding the squad, and it does so with a player who won't need months to understand what his manager is asking for.
The signing of Dedic doesn't finish the rebuild, but it does close one of the more obvious gaps in the squad. With the hole left by Tonali and Guimarães this summer, the next item on Newcastle's list is reportedly a midfielder.
Dedic's arrival will give Newcastle a much-needed boost ahead of the Liverpool opener, and it will be interesting to see how he adapts to the Premier League. The Bosnian goalkeeper has a big task ahead of him, but with his experience and versatility, he could be a key player for Newcastle this season.
The deal is a significant coup for Newcastle, and it shows that the club is committed to rebuilding the squad. With Dedic on board, Newcastle fans will be hoping that the club can continue to strengthen in the transfer market and make a push for a top-half finish in the Premier League.
Dedic is expected to fly to England for a medical shortly, with Newcastle hoping to have him registered in time for the Premier League opener against Liverpool on August 23.
Source: Yahoo Sports