Amar Dedic Joins Newcastle for £29.5m Amid Summer Signings

Amar Dedic has turned his back on Benfica and bet his future on Tyneside – and on Matthias Jaissle. The chance to reunite with Newcastle’s new head coach proved decisive in a £29.5m move that makes the Bosnia and Herzegovina international the club’s sixth signing of a chaotic summer.

The 24-year-old is expected to be thrown straight in at St James’ Park, likely starting at right-back against Liverpool on Sunday. Newcastle’s shortage in that position has been glaring, and Dedic arrives as an immediate solution rather than a long-term project.

“Working with Matthias again was a big factor for me,” Dedic said, reflecting on their time together at RB Salzburg. “We know each other well; he knows what I can bring to the pitch and I’m really happy to play for him again. It’s a special feeling and a real honour to join Newcastle.”

Those words will sit well with Jaissle, who moved quickly once he replaced Eddie Howe earlier this month. With Tino Livramento still sidelined by a calf injury and no other established senior right-back available, Jaissle identified Dedic early and urged the hierarchy to act. They did, and swiftly.

Dedic offers more than just a body in a problem position. Comfortable on either flank, he already understands Jaissle’s demands, pressing triggers and build-up patterns from their Salzburg days. That familiarity should accelerate Newcastle’s tactical transition at a time when the club can ill afford a slow start.

Sunderland's Signing

Across the Wear, Sunderland have been busy solving their own full-back puzzle.

The club are poised to confirm the signing of Dayann Methalie from Toulouse on Tuesday, beating off strong interest from Roma and Newcastle to land the highly rated 20-year-old in a £25.6m deal. It is a statement outlay and a clear show of faith in a defender whose reputation has risen sharply in France.

Methalie, a France Under-21 international, made 28 Ligue 1 appearances last season and will immediately compete with Reinildo for a starting place in Régis Le Bris’ side. He has signed a five-year contract at the Stadium of Light, underlining Sunderland’s belief that he can grow into a cornerstone of their back line.

Le Bris will appreciate his flexibility. Methalie can operate as a conventional left-back, tuck in as a left-sided centre-back, or push higher as a wing-back, offering tactical variety as Sunderland reshape under their new manager.

Two clubs, one region, and two expensive answers to the same question: who owns the flanks in the North East now?