The dust has barely settled on the Premier League chapter that was 2024/25. And already we’re looking to 25/26 with excitement. What will Newcastle United do in the transfer window? What will the squad look like next season? How will the side cope with the rigours of a return to European football?
All first world problems a club like Newcastle United is now wants to deal with on a seasonal basis.
The Magpies ended this campaign with a damp squib, I think that’s fair to say. A laboured performance against Everton saw them sign off the season with a 1-0 home defeat. Another one to add to the list of St James’ struggles, along with Bournemouth, Brighton, West Ham and others. That record will undoubtedly have to improve, if United are to challenge at the real business end of the season, when titles are at stake.
We expect a busy summer at Newcastle, but will it bring about an improvement in performance? We asked AI to predict what will happen for the 2025/26 campaign - and it’s fair to say it threw up some interesting results - including for North East rivals Sunderland.
Here’s what Grok thinks will happen 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