Benfica head coach Marco Silva confirmed on Sunday that right-back Dedic is nearing a transfer to English club Newcastle United. Speaking in Seixal ahead of Benfica's upcoming fixture against Casa Pia, Silva stated that negotiations over the player's move have reached a very advanced stage.
Speaking during a press conference to preview the second round of Portugal's top-flight I Liga, Silva revealed he had received feedback from club directors that the deal was already well progressed. As a result, the Bosnian defender will be omitted from the squad for Monday's match against Casa Pia, despite having featured in Thursday's 1-1 draw against Scottish side Hearts.
Silva admitted that neither he nor Benfica wanted to lose the right-back, noting that everyone at the club liked him very much. However, the manager explained that if the departure had to take place, it would be determined by other financial considerations, with the transfer expected to yield a significant financial return for the Lisbon club.
Negotiations and squad selection
Benfica, one of Portugal's most successful football institutions, recruited Dedic last season from Austrian club Red Bull Salzburg. Newcastle United, competing in the English Premier League, have been actively looking to strengthen their defensive options ahead of the new campaign.
Addressing potential squad reinforcements, Silva chose not to specify which exact positions Benfica would target before the transfer window closes. However, he let slip that the club had not yet replaced central defender António Silva, acknowledging that central defence remained a crucial area where the team needed to recruit effectively.
Recruitment plans and upcoming match
When asked whether Bayern Munich midfielder João Palhinha was a primary transfer target, Silva declined to comment on the speculation. The manager noted that Palhinha, who developed through the youth academy at rival Portuguese club Sporting CP before moving to Germany, was not a Benfica player, adding that he would not publicly discuss individual players under contract elsewhere.
Benfica are scheduled to face Casa Pia on Monday evening, with kickoff set for 8:15 pm at the Estádio Municipal de Rio Maior. Referee João Pinheiro, representing the Braga Football Association, has been appointed to officiate the match.
