The chance to be reunited with Matthias Jaissle convinced Amar Dedic to swap Benfica for Newcastle in a £29.5m transfer. Dedic becomes Newcastle’s sixth signing of a turbulent summer on Tyneside and the 24-year-old Bosnia and Herzegovina international is likely to start at right-back at home to Liverpool on Sunday.
“Working with Matthias again was a big factor for me,” said Dedic, who previously played for Newcastle’s new manager 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.”
With Tino Livramento still recovering from a calf injury, Newcastle’s lack of senior right-backs has been highlighted in pre-season and, soon after replacing Eddie Howe earlier this month, Jaissle advised club executives that Dedic could fill the void. It helps that a defender also comfortable at left-back understands the German’s playing philosophy.
Sunderland, meanwhile, are set to announce the acquisition of a new left-back on Tuesday after fending off competition from Roma and Newcastle to sign the 20-year-old Toulouse defender Dayann Methalie for £25.6m.
The France Under-21 international made 28 Ligue One appearances last season and will compete with Reinildo for a place in Régis Le Bris’ team. Methalie, who has signed a five-year contract at the Stadium of Light, is also comfortable operating as a left-sided central defender or at wing-back.