'Perfect' - Amar Dedić signing explained by Matthias Jaissle and Ross Wilson
Amar Dedic is a Mag. The birthday boy completed a £29.5m switch from Benfica this morning, signing a five-year deal at Newcastle United.
Alongside the announcement video and his first words since putting pen to paper, we've seen Matthias Jaissle and Ross Wilson speak out on our new recruit from Portugal.
Jaissle knows Dedic very well, managing him twice during their time together in Austria, while Wilson seems delighted to land a versatile full-back he believes to be a "perfect fit" for the club.
Jaissle reunited with trusted full-back
Having worked with Dedic during spells at Liefering and RB Salzburg, Jaissle knows the 24-year-old full-back better than most.
The German boss has hailed his ability at both ends of the pitch, praising the athleticism, aggression and technical ability he'll bring to Newcastle's squad in both full-back positions.
Jaissle also speaks highly of his experience across the Champions League and World Cup, where he's represented Salzburg, Marseille, Benfica and Bosnia despite only turning 24 today.
"I'm really happy to add Amar to our squad. He's a player who I know really well, having worked with him from a young age in Austria and followed his career since.
"He will bring both defensive and attacking qualities to our squad, which suits the style of football that we want to play. He's athletic, aggressive and technically very good, but also has a lot of potential to develop further.
"Amar is still young but already has a lot of valuable experience - he's played in the Champions League and the World Cup, as well as representing huge clubs in Austria, France and Portugal. I'm really looking forward to working with him again."
Wilson: A 'perfect fit' for Newcastle
Ross Wilson is under pressure to deliver more new signings, especially in midfield and attack, but he sounds delighted to secure this one.
Our sporting director believes he immediately improves Newcastle's squad down the right and left flanks, describing the Bosnian as a modern-day full-back who is desperate to prove himself in the Premier League.
"I'm delighted to welcome Amar to Newcastle United. He's a player Matthias knows really well and one we all think very highly of - we see him as a player who strengthens our squad straightaway, capable of performing on the right and on the left.
"He's shown his level at Red Bull Salzburg and Benfica as a modern full-back who has the ability to contribute at both ends of the pitch.
"He's incredibly hungry to prove himself here at Newcastle United and in the Premier League. A perfect fit for our new direction."
A signing that makes so much sense, based on profile, versatility, suitability to the Premier League and his strong relationship with Jaissle, who needs new signings he can trust.
Welcome to the Toon, Amar!
