Benfica manager Marco Silva has revealed he wanted to keep Amar Dedic at the club.
The Bosnia and Herzegovina international was left out of Benfica’s 7-0 win over Casa Pia on Monday evening after travelling to the North East of England to finalise his £30million move to Newcastle United.
Dedic spent just one full season at the Portuguese giants, starting the 3-0 Champions League group phase defeat against the Magpies at St James’ Park in October 2025.
Benfica boss wanted to keep Amar Dedic
Silva, who succeeded Jose Mourinho as Benfica manager in June after his contract expired at Fulham, was keen to keep Dedic as part of his squad, but suggested club chiefs felt the deal was too hard to turn down.
“It’s obvious that he was a player that we, Benfica, didn’t want to lose,” Silva told A Bola (via Sport Witness). “The question of the offer and the financial aspect are things that Benfica’s structure knows better than I do how to manage. That’s not my role.
“Just as we want to sign players, there are also times when we lose players we didn’t want to lose. The market is open and that’s part of it.”
Amar Dedic on joining Newcastle United
The 24-year-old full-back has penned a five-year contract to become Newcastle’s sixth signing of the summer, however marks Matthias Jaissle’s first signing as Magpies’ head coach after the German replaced Eddie Howe earlier this month.
Jaissle and Dedic previously worked together at Red Bull Salzburg and FC Liefering.
“It’s a special feeling and a really big honour for me to join Newcastle United,” Dedic said. “I’m really happy to be here and can’t wait to start playing for the club and the amazing fans.
“Working with Matthias again was a big factor for me. We know each other well, he knows what I can bring on the pitch and I’m really happy to be playing for him again.
“Playing Premier League football at St. James’ Park is going to be really special. Every game feels like a big occasion, with an amazing atmosphere. I’m really excited to get started.”