Full Breakdown
Newcastle United’s Pre-Season Test and the Pursuit of Full-Back Amar Dedic
8/16/2026, 12:01:31 AM
The Friendly Debut: 2-1 Loss to Bayer Leverkusen
On August 15, 2026, Newcastle United hosted Bayer Leverkusen at St James’ Park in a pre-season friendly that ended in a 2-1 defeat. Ibrahim Maza gave the visitors an early lead inside the first minute, Malick Thiaw headed Newcastle level from an Anthony Elanga corner just before halftime, and Victor Boniface sealed the win for Leverkusen late in the second half. Attendance was recorded at 39,059. The match also featured a mid-first-half kit change after a colour clash between Newcastle’s traditional black-and-white strip and Leverkusen’s mint-blue away kit.
Background: A Squad in Transition
Newcastle entered the 2026-27 season after a turbulent summer. Long-time manager Eddie Howe departed in late July, leaving the club to rebuild under newly appointed head coach Matthias Jaissle, a 38-year-old German who previously managed Al-Ahli (Jeddah). The Magpies have lost several key players—Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimarães—while full-back options are thin after the exits of Kieran Trippier, Emil Krafth and Matt Targett. Injuries to Tino Livramento and the recent return of Lewis Miley from a broken leg further limit senior options at right-back.
Data & Statistics
- Result: Bayer Leverkusen 2 – 1 Newcastle United
- Goal scorers: Ibrahim Maza (Leverkusen), Malick Thiaw (Newcastle), Victor Boniface (Leverkusen)
- Attendance: 39,059
- Kit change: From black-and-white home kit to lilac third strip at the first hydration break
- Amar Dedic’s contract details: Release clause €50 million (£42.7 m, $57.7 m); Benfica reportedly willing to accept a €35 million package; The New York Times cites a fee “around £30 m.”
- Potential signing impact: Dedic would become Newcastle’s sixth summer acquisition and only the second signing over the age of 20.
Why It Matters
The friendly highlighted Newcastle’s defensive frailties and the urgency of securing a reliable full-back before the Premier League opener against Liverpool on August 23, 2026. A successful Dedic transfer would address a glaring positional gap and reunite the player with Jaissle, who coached him at FC Liefering and RB Salzburg. The match also underscored the need for tactical cohesion as Jaissle experiments with a high-pressing style.
Official Statements & Responses
Matthias Jaissle described the friendly as “a big challenge” and “a big transition,” acknowledging the squad’s early-season growing pains. He emphasized a positive outlook, stating that the club “knows exactly the needs” and that “we’ll keep using positivity.” Jaissle also confirmed that discussions are underway to bring Dedic to Tyneside, noting the player’s familiarity with his tactical expectations.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Mason’s a young lad with the attitude we need; he has the right heart and the right quality,” — Matthias Jaissle, united head coach
- “I was a bit surprised when they came out for kick-off.” — Matthias Jaissle, united head coach
What’s Next
Newcastle’s first Premier League match is scheduled for August 23, 2026 against Liverpool. If the agreement with Benfica proceeds, Amar Dedic is expected to be eligible for that fixture, providing immediate reinforcement at right-back. The club also plans a second pre-season friendly against Strasbourg on the weekend following the Leverkusen game, offering further opportunities to assess squad depth ahead of the league campaign.
