It is a situation that is yet to be resolved, although Isak has been told he will not be leaving<\/a>.<\/p>\n All the while, new signings have been hard to come by. Newcastle have missed out on top targets<\/a>, with Anthony Elanga and Aaron Ramsdale the only senior stars to arrive at St James\u2019 Park.<\/p>\n This was meant to be a summer of progression after winning the Carabao Cup and qualifying for the Champions League<\/a>, but that has not been the case for Eddie Howe<\/a>, much to his frustration.<\/p>\n Given what has gone on during pre-season, Alan Shearer<\/a> believes it is difficult to pinpoint how the Magpies will do during the 2025\/26 Premier League season.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s just a wait and see for Newcastle,\u201d he said, speaking on the latest episode of the Rest Is Football podcast.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a tough start. They\u2019ve 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.\u201d<\/p>\n Shearer\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n Lineker replied: \u201cThat\u2019s not how it works, you\u2019ve got to do it now. I\u2019m going to go mid-table.\u201d<\/p>\n Shearer responded: \u201cAre you mid-table?! Are we going that far down?\u201d<\/p>\n The Newcastle United legend then gave his prediction, saying: \u201cI\u2019ve got them fifth or sixth.\u201d<\/p>\n Lineker added: \u201cIf they bring in a decent striker, I think a European spot. Otherwise I think they will struggle.\u201d<\/p>\n Micah Richards says Newcastle United\u2019s position depends on Alexander Isak<\/p>\n Micah Richards also appeared on the latest episode of the Rest Is Football podcast, and believes Newcastle United\u2019s season will be dictated by what happens with Isak<\/a> between now and 1st September when the transfer window closes.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve got Newcastle about eighth or ninth at this moment in time, without Isak,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cIf Isak stays, a little bit better than that.\u201d<\/p>\n Without Isak, Newcastle will struggle for goals. Newcastle are trying to sign Yoane Wissa<\/a>, which will help Howe\u2019s forward line, but he is not on the same level as the Sweden international.<\/p>\n![\"Eddie](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/GettyImages-2229256344-1024x683.jpg\")
Photo by Newcastle United\/Newcastle United via Getty ImagesAlan Shearer and Gary Lineker disagree about how Newcastle United will do this season <\/p>\n