Alan Shearer in disbelief as Gary Lineker predicts where Newcastle will finish in the Premier League
Alan Shearer Maintains Hope for Newcastle United Despite Turbulent Pre-Season
Alan Shearer remains cautiously optimistic about Newcastle United’s chances in the upcoming Premier League campaign, even after what can only be described as a pre-season plagued by uncertainty, missed opportunities, and transfer frustrations.
The Magpies kick off their 2025/26 league journey against Aston Villa this Saturday, yet their preparations have been overshadowed by the ongoing Alexander Isak saga. The Swedish striker, who has made it clear he would like to join Liverpool, has been told firmly by the club that he will not be leaving—at least not without a suitable replacement. The situation remains unresolved, casting a cloud over Eddie Howe’s squad just days before competitive football returns.
Adding to the unease is Newcastle’s quiet activity in the transfer market. While fans hoped for a summer of progression following last season’s Carabao Cup triumph and Champions League qualification, the club has struggled to land top targets. So far, only Anthony Elanga and goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale have joined the ranks as senior signings, far from the transformative recruitment many had envisioned.
For Howe, who was expecting to build on last year’s success, the reality has been frustrating. The lack of reinforcements has been compounded by difficult fixtures early on, with Villa away and Liverpool at home in the first two matches—a daunting start for any side.
Podcast Debate: Shearer vs. Lineker
Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Alan Shearer admitted that, given the circumstances, it is hard to predict how Newcastle will fare this season.
> “It’s just a wait and see for Newcastle,” Shearer said. “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.”
Gary Lineker, however, wasn’t willing to sit on the fence. Pressing Shearer for a definitive answer, the former England striker offered his own blunt assessment:
> “That’s not how it works, you’ve got to do it now. I’m going to go mid-table.”
Shearer was taken aback by the prediction.
> “Mid-table?! Are we going that far down?” he replied, before offering his own forecast: “I’ve got them fifth or sixth.”
Lineker later clarified that his view could change if Newcastle secure a proven striker before the transfer deadline.
> “If they bring in a decent striker, I think a European spot. Otherwise, I think they will struggle.”
Richards: Isak Holds the Key
Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards, also on the podcast, argued that Newcastle’s league position hinges heavily on whether Isak remains at the club beyond the 1st of September.
> “I’ve got Newcastle about eighth or ninth at this moment in time, without Isak,” Richards said. “If Isak stays, a little bit better than that.”
It’s a view shared by many observers: without the Sweden international, Newcastle will find goals much harder to come by. While the club is reportedly pursuing Brentford forward Yoane Wissa to bolster their attacking options, the Congolese international is not seen as being on the same level as Isak in terms of quality or output.
Still, Newcastle are in a position of control. Unless they secure an adequate replacement, Isak will not be sold, regardless of his personal desire to leave. If that scenario plays out, Eddie Howe will be tasked with reintegrating the unsettled forward into his plans—a challenge that could test both his man-management skills and the harmony of the dressing room.
For now, the mood on Tyneside is one of cautious hope mixed with trepidation. The opening weeks of the season, and the outcome of the transfer window, will go a long way in determining whether Newcastle can build on last season’s highs—or whether they will be forced to reset their ambitions.