Amar Dedic Joins Newcastle United for £29.5m

Amar Dedic has turned his back on Benfica and the Lisbon sun for Tyneside rain and a reunion. The chance to work again with Matthias Jaissle proved decisive as Newcastle United sealed a £29.5m deal for the Bosnia and Herzegovina international.

The 24-year-old arrives as Newcastle’s sixth signing of a chaotic, reshaping summer and is expected to be thrown straight in at right-back when Liverpool visit St James’ Park on Sunday.

“Working with Matthias again was a big factor for me,” Dedic said, recalling 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.”

Jaissle has wasted no time putting his stamp on the squad since replacing Eddie Howe earlier this month. One of his first messages to the hierarchy was blunt: Newcastle needed a senior right-back. With Tino Livramento still nursing a calf injury and no obvious cover, the gap had been glaring throughout pre-season.

Dedic ticks several boxes. He knows Jaissle’s demands, understands the German’s aggressive, front-foot style and, crucially, offers flexibility. Naturally a right-back, he can also operate on the left, giving Newcastle an extra layer of protection in a season that will test squad depth.

While Newcastle plugged a hole on one side of the Tyne, Sunderland moved decisively on the other.

At the Stadium of Light, Régis Le Bris is set to welcome Dayann Methalie after Sunderland saw off strong interest from Roma and Newcastle to land the Toulouse left-back for £25.6m. The deal is expected to be confirmed on Tuesday.

Methalie, 20, has signed a five-year contract and is viewed as a cornerstone of Sunderland’s next phase under Le Bris. The France Under-21 defender made 28 Ligue 1 appearances last season and will compete directly with Reinildo for a starting berth.

He offers more than just a touchline-hugging option. Comfortable as a left-sided centre-back and capable at wing-back, Methalie gives Sunderland tactical variety and the kind of athletic profile that can reshape a back line.

Two clubs, one river, both dropping serious money on full-backs. The battle for width in the North East has rarely felt so intense.