The Premier League fixtures are out, so things are starting to get real for Newcastle United. However, they’re yet to sign a player, despite wanting to get into action early.
Eddie Howe went big on the fact he wanted players early in the window, and while it still is quite early, they have seen a number of targets slip through their fingers, or chose moves elsewhere. Marc Guehi looks to be the latest, following on from Matheus Cunha, Liam Delap and Dean Huijsen.
It’s not all doom and gloom, obviously, but fans, rightly, want to see some progress from the Magpies. And with all that in mind, we asked AI tool Grok what impact the lack of transfer activity has been having on the Magpies’ hopes next season.
Here’s where AI thinks Eddie Howe’s side will finish in the Premier League next season.
Their return to the Premier League is likely to be brief. Promoted teams have historically struggled (e.g., Southampton’s 2024/25 relegation), and Sunderland’s squad may lack the quality to survive.
1. Sunderland - 20th
Their return to the Premier League is likely to be brief. Promoted teams have historically struggled (e.g., Southampton’s 2024/25 relegation), and Sunderland’s squad may lack the quality to survive. | Getty Images
Burnley’s promotion brings them back, but their 2023/24 relegation exposed defensive frailties. Simulations predict all promoted sides will struggle, and Burnley’s lack of top-tier depth could see them drop.
2. Burnley - 19th
Burnley’s promotion brings them back, but their 2023/24 relegation exposed defensive frailties. Simulations predict all promoted sides will struggle, and Burnley’s lack of top-tier depth could see them drop. | Getty Images
Leeds return to the Premier League for 2025/26, but data suggests promoted sides struggle, with all three projected to go down. Their attacking style may not translate against stronger opposition, leading to relegation.
3. Leeds United - 18th
Leeds return to the Premier League for 2025/26, but data suggests promoted sides struggle, with all three projected to go down. Their attacking style may not translate against stronger opposition, leading to relegation. | Getty Images
Brentford’s established status under Thomas Frank is a strength, but their reliance on key players like Bryan Mbeumo (if he stays) and a potential Frank departure to a bigger club could destabilize them. A 17th-place finish reflects caution.
4. Brentford - 17th
Brentford’s established status under Thomas Frank is a strength, but their reliance on key players like Bryan Mbeumo (if he stays) and a potential Frank departure to a bigger club could destabilize them. A 17th-place finish reflects caution. | Getty Images