Alan Shearer is still optimistic about how Newcastle United will do in the Premier League this season, despite a disastrous pre-season.
Newcastle United face Aston Villa in their Premier League opener on Saturday, on the back of a pre-season that has been dominated by Alexander Isak’s situation.
It is a situation that is yet to be resolved, although Isak has been told he will not be leaving.
All the while, new signings have been hard to come by. Newcastle have missed out on top targets, with Anthony Elanga and Aaron Ramsdale the only senior stars to arrive at St James’ Park.
This was meant to be a summer of progression after winning the Carabao Cup and qualifying for the Champions League, but that has not been the case for Eddie Howe, much to his frustration.
Eddie Howe claps the Newcastle United fans after losing to Atletico Madrid in pre-season.
Photo by Newcastle United/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker disagree about how Newcastle United will do this season
Given what has gone on during pre-season, Alan Shearer believes it is difficult to pinpoint how the Magpies will do during the 2025/26 Premier League season.
“It’s just a wait and see for Newcastle,” he said, speaking on the latest episode of the Rest Is Football podcast.
“It’s a tough start. They’ve got Villa away, Liverpool at home and the pre-season has been a nightmare. Ask me again in three or four weeks at the end of the window.”
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Shearer’s verdict was not good enough for his fellow podcaster Gary Lineker, who gave a more firm view about how Newcastle United will do this season.
Lineker replied: “That’s not how it works, you’ve got to do it now. I’m going to go mid-table.”
Shearer responded: “Are you mid-table?! Are we going that far down?”
The Newcastle United legend then gave his prediction, saying: “I’ve got them fifth or sixth.”
Lineker added: “If they bring in a decent striker, I think a European spot. Otherwise I think they will struggle.”
Micah Richards says Newcastle United’s position depends on Alexander Isak
Micah Richards also appeared on the latest episode of the Rest Is Football podcast, and believes Newcastle United’s season will be dictated by what happens with Isak between now and 1st September when the transfer window closes.
“I’ve got Newcastle about eighth or ninth at this moment in time, without Isak,” he said.
“If Isak stays, a little bit better than that.”
Without Isak, Newcastle will struggle for goals. Newcastle are trying to sign Yoane Wissa, which will help Howe’s forward line, but he is not on the same level as the Sweden international.
However, Isak will only leave Newcastle if he is sufficiently replaced. While Isak wants Liverpool, it is Newcastle who are in control of the situation. If they cannot find a replacement then Isak will be going nowhere.
If that happens, it will be up to Howe to try to reintegrate Isak into the squad. That could be easier said than done.