Chelsea In A Two-Way Battle For This Salzburg Wonderkid: Should Pochettino Secure His Services? | OneFootball

According to a report from The Sun, Chelsea face a tough challenge in outbidding former manager Jose Mourinho for the acquisition of Bosnian prodigy Amar Dedic. However, Newcastle United are also in the mix for the 21-year-old Red Bull Salzburg standout in this transfer battle.

The Impressive Rise Of Amar Dedic

Dedić embarked on his football journey at a local club before transitioning to Sturm Graz’s youth setup in 2012. His move to Red Bull Salzburg’s youth academy occurred in 2015. Progressing through the ranks at RB Salzburg, he went on a season-long loan to Wolfsberger AC in June 2021.

Upon returning to Red Bull Salzburg, Dedić debuted in the league against Hartberg on 6 August 2022 and made his UEFA Champions League debut against Milan. Extending his contract with the team until June 2027 in January 2023, he secured his first trophy with the club, winning the league championship on 21 May.

He’s become a consistent starter, tallying five goals and three assists in 25 appearances across all competitions. Excelling on the right side of the defensive third, he’s met expectations, attracting interest from prominent European clubs.

Should Pochettino Lure Him To Chelsea In The January Transfer Window?

Chelsea’s captain, Reece James, is reportedly scheduled for hamstring surgery, likely sidelining him for three to four months. Depending on his recovery, there’s optimism he could return by season’s end, potentially featuring in England’s Euro 2024 campaign.

James’ surgery decision carries significant implications for the West London club, potentially prompting the need for a new right-back in January. Considering Mauricio Pochettino‘s squad’s immediate requirement for reinforcements in that position, a player of Dedić’s caliber might suitably fit.

Dedić, aged just 21, boasts commendable defensive and offensive skills, making it a prudent decision to bring him aboard. Dedić possesses an impressive skill set that combines both defensive solidity and attacking prowess. As a right-back, he showcases strong defensive attributes such as tackling, interceptions, and the ability to clear threats effectively.

Offensively, he demonstrates excellent vision, passing ability, and dribbling skills, contributing to creating scoring opportunities for his team. Additionally, his agility and positional awareness make him a versatile asset on the field. Overall, Dedić’s well-rounded abilities make him a promising talent with the potential to excel in various aspects of the game. His potential suggests he could become a valuable long-term acquisition for the Blues.