Shearer's Premier League Predictions: Arsenal to Retain Title, Chelsea Second, Newcastle 14th

On August 23, Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer previewed the new season for his former club in his personal column. He also predicted that Arsenal would successfully retain their Premier League title, with Chelsea finishing second.

Previewing Newcastle United's new season

I understand the changing direction for the club, and I also understand that we cannot qualify for the Champions League. It's very difficult when you see your best players leave one by one. I think this comes down to financial regulations again, and the fans of Aston Villa and Newcastle United will feel this.

But last season we had Tonali, Gordon, and Guimarães as our core, and we ultimately finished 12th. This reflects Newcastle United's situation at that time, where they had to sell players while bringing in young and dynamic talent. This also created challenges, such as losing manager Eddie Howe.

I think this will be a very, very different season. I feel it will be a difficult year, because if it were easy to replace star players after selling them with young, dynamic, and hungry players wanting to develop, then everyone would do it.

My only concern is the team losing its character. Yes, we finished 12th, and these players didn't perform ideally, but they were all very representative figures in the dressing room. If you sell all three of them, and also lose Trippier – who was a key figure in the dressing room – you lose the team's character and leadership, and you replace them with a group of young, inexperienced players who are also new to the Premier League.

What concerns me most is the loss of these leaders and the team's spirit. However, I think their ability should also be seriously considered: despite their good talent, we ultimately only finished 12th. This season, Newcastle United will step into uncertainty. We have a young, inexperienced manager who needs full support and help from everyone. But ultimately, I don't expect Newcastle United to qualify for European competition.

On the possibility of Kane not returning to the Premier League

I've seen Kane's comments about not returning to the Premier League, and I think you can only take it year by year, because nobody can predict what will happen after a year. Last season was fantastic for him, and his time at Bayern Munich has been brilliant. From my perspective, people will always say: "Alan (Shearer) would be happy if Kane played abroad for another year or two, regardless of how long specifically." Simply put, yes, I understand that and I understand the logic. The more time Kane spends playing abroad, the better my chances of keeping my record intact (the Premier League all-time goalscoring record). So if that's the case, I'd be happy.

Although I haven't calculated it exactly, I think he still needs 47 goals to match or surpass my record, which might take two seasons. When you're over 30, scoring goals becomes increasingly difficult, especially in the Premier League. I think the Premier League is more difficult to play in than the Bundesliga. Regardless, the speed and intensity of competition in the Premier League are higher. I reckon if he stays at Bayern for at least another year, or even two, maybe I can relax a bit.

Kane might have one more chance to win the major trophy that we all crave on the international stage – the European Championship in two years. I think if this does turn out to be a farewell, it will be his final one.

It seems he'll likely play in Germany for the next few years, away from the Premier League. I understand there are reasons he left the Premier League, and those reasons have been confirmed – he's in better condition than before, physically stronger than before, and scoring more goals than before. I know the Bundesliga isn't as intense as the Premier League, but he continues to score consistently, and his family is very happy living abroad. Therefore, he should also consider that.

I never considered playing abroad

Before moving to Newcastle United, there was indeed one or two conversations, but nothing substantial. They only mentioned a few possible offers, not real deals. My final choices were always Newcastle United or Manchester United.

Sir Bobby Robson once said he wanted to bring me to Barcelona. When I left Blackburn, Robson wanted to sign me, and I told the club that was definitely not possible, so he signed Ronaldo from PSV Eindhoven instead. So I asked him: "Well, for you and for him, that turned out pretty well, didn't it?"