Newcastle have reached the point where signing another full-back is no longer optional.
Kieran Trippier, Emil Krafth and Matt Targett all left when their contracts expired, stripping three experienced defenders from a squad already undergoing enormous change.
Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall remain high-quality starters, but the depth behind them is thin. Livramento’s injury at the World Cup only made the problem more obvious, while Man United have also tested Newcastle’s determination to keep Hall.
The Magpies rejected that approach and insist the England international is not for sale.
After losing Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimarães, allowing another important young player to walk away would send the wrong message.
Matthias Jaissle therefore needs reinforcements quickly.
|
Newcastle’s rumoured summer full-back targets |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Player |
Club when linked |
Profile |
Reported stage |
Current position |
|
Amar Dedic |
Benfica |
Right-back who can cover the left |
Direct club talks |
Negotiations active and player keen. |
|
Givairo Read |
Feyenoord |
Attacking right-back |
Newcastle enquiry |
Roma and Forest pushed harder, but he’s now likely to remain. |
|
Marco Palestra |
Atalanta |
Right-back and wing-back |
Reported major target |
Joined Chelsea for £43m. |
|
Dayann Méthalie |
Toulouse |
Left-back who can play centrally |
Long-term target |
Newcastle withdrew; Sunderland leading |
|
Guéla Doué |
Strasbourg |
Right-back and right-sided centre-back |
Monitored |
No Newcastle bid reported |
|
Joaquin Seys |
Club Brugge |
Mainly left-back, comfortable on either side |
Interest and availability check |
Brugge reportedly value him around £30m. |
|
Óscar Mingueza |
Celta Vigo |
Right-back and centre-back |
Early summer interest |
Joined Crystal Palace |
|
Kyriani Sabbe |
Club Brugge |
Right-back with experience on the left |
Named on early shortlist |
Remains at Club Brugge |
|
Zakaria El Ouahdi |
Genk |
Attack-minded right-back and wing-back |
Named on early shortlist |
Remains at Genk |
|
Denzel Dumfries |
Inter Milan |
Experienced right wing-back |
Newcastle linked earlier in window |
Joined Real Madrid |
The German has inherited a side in transition after replacing Eddie Howe, with Newcastle attempting to lower the age of the squad without leaving themselves short of experience.
Their full-back search has already taken several turns.
Marco Palestra was identified as a major target before joining Chelsea. Newcastle also tracked Toulouse youngster Dayann Methalie but eventually stepped away, allowing Sunderland to move into pole position.
An enquiry was allegedly made for Feyenoord prospect Givairo Read too, though Roma and Nottingham Forest pushed harder for the Dutchman, and he’s now likely to remain in the Netherlands.
Amar Dedic has now emerged as the player Newcastle are actively trying to sign.
Newcastle open talks for Amar Dedic after Jaissle green-light
Fabrizio Romano reports that club-to-club negotiations with Benfica began on Tuesday, with the 23-year-old keen to move to St James’ Park.
The Bosnia international has also been approved as a signing by Jaissle, making this more than a recruitment department recommendation.
Dedic fits the profile Newcastle have chased throughout the window. He is naturally a right-back but has experience on the opposite side, providing that vital versatility after three defensive exits.
He also came through the Red Bull Salzburg system and played senior football there during Jaissle’s time in Austria.
Dedic only joined Benfica last summer and signed a contract running until 2030, so Newcastle shouldn’t expect a cheap deal for the ‘quality‘ defender they’ve reportedly admired since 2023.
Newcastle still have major rebuilding work to complete in midfield after losing Tonali and Guimaraes, but their shortage at full-back cannot be ignored.
Dedic would not arrive merely to fill a shirt.
His versatility, age and previous connection with Jaissle make him a logical candidate to compete immediately and grow into a long-term starter.