Newcastle make their first Matthias Jaissle signing with a £42.7m deal that could affect Man United.
Manchester United might get a big transfer boost soon, as reports say Newcastle are working on their first signing under new boss Matthias Jaissle. Jaissle took over after Eddie Howe surprised everyone by quitting. He’s eager to strengthen a Newcastle team that has lost several star players, with sales totalling £250 million.
Anthony Gordon moved to Barcelona, while Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali stayed in the Premier League with Arsenal and Spurs. Before Jaissle arrived, Newcastle made five key signings, including Bazoumana Toure from Hoffenheim for £43 million.
Now, The Athletic reports that Newcastle want Benfica defender Amar Dedic. The 23-year-old played under Jaissle at FC Liefering and Red Bull Salzburg. His contract has a £42.7 million release clause, but Newcastle hope to pay closer to €35 million. Dedic mainly plays right-back but can also cover both sides of the defense, making him a flexible option.
This move worries United because they are interested in Newcastle’s left-back Lewis Hall. Hall missed out on the England World Cup squad despite a great season. He joined Newcastle from Chelsea for £28 million but is now valued around £60 million. With three years left on his contract, Newcastle don’t have to sell and have strong bargaining power.
United sees Hall, who can also play central midfield, as the ideal long-term replacement for their left-back Luke Shaw. According to Samuel Luckhurst of The Sun, Hall is United’s top priority and wants the move, but it’s unclear if he’ll push for a transfer like Alexander Isak did last summer.
Other options for United include Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly, Club Brugge’s Joaquin Seys, Racing Santander’s Jorge Salinas, and RB Leipzig’s David Raum. But Hall remains the main target after United completed deals for Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans.
Newcastle is moving forward with signing Dedic after Tino Livramento had calf surgery and missed the World Cup. Livramento missed much of last season, plus right-backs Kieran Trippier and Emil Kraft have left. Midfielder Lewis Miley filled in sometimes but is recovering from a broken leg.
Since Newcastle has no senior right-backs fit, Dedic would likely start in their first Premier League game against Liverpool on August 23 if he signs.