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

Previewing Newcastle's New Season

I understand the change in direction for the club, and I also understand that we couldn't qualify for the Champions League. It's tough when you see your best players leaving one after another. I think this comes down to financial rules, and fans of Aston Villa and Newcastle will feel this impact.

But last season we had Tonali, Gordon, and Guimarães as our core, and we finished 12th. This shows Newcastle's situation; they had to sell players and bring in young, talented new players. This also brought challenges, such as losing manager Eddie Howe.

I think this is going to be a very different season. I think it will be tough because if it were easy to replace star players with young, energetic youngsters eager to improve after selling them, everyone would do it.

My only concern is the team losing its character. Yes, we finished 12th, and these players didn't all perform ideally, but they were all highly influential figures in the dressing room. If you sell all three of them and also lose Trippier—who was a significant leader—you lose the team's character and leadership, replacing them with a group of young, inexperienced players who are still Premier League rookies.

What worries me most is losing these leaders and the team spirit. However, ability must also be seriously considered: despite their quality, we only finished 12th. This season, Newcastle will step into the unknown. We have a young and inexperienced manager who needs everyone's full support. But ultimately, I don't expect Newcastle to qualify for European competition.

Kane and a Return to the Premier League

I've seen Kane's comments about not returning to the Premier League, and I think you can only really assess it year by year, because no one can predict what will happen in a year's time. Last season was fantastic for him, and his time at Bayern Munich has been brilliant. From my perspective, people will always say, "Alan (Shearer) will be happy that Kane has another year or two playing overseas, however long it is." Simply put, yes, I understand that logic. The longer Kane plays overseas, the greater the chance I have of keeping my record as the Premier League's all-time leading goalscorer. So, if that's the case, I'll be happy.

Although I haven't counted precisely, I think he's still about 47 goals short of equaling or surpassing my record, which would probably take two seasons. When you're over 30, scoring goals becomes increasingly difficult, especially in the Premier League. I believe the Premier League is more demanding than the Bundesliga. The pace of play and intensity of competition are higher in the Premier League. I reckon if he stays at Bayern for at least another year or two, perhaps I can relax a little.

Kane might have one more chance to win that elusive major trophy we all crave—the European Championship in two years. I guess if this is meant to be a farewell, then it will be his final one.

It sounds like he might be playing in Germany for the next few years, away from the Premier League. I understand why he left, and the results have confirmed it—he's in better form than ever, fitter than before, and scoring more goals than ever. I know the Bundesliga isn't as intense as the Premier League, but he's still constantly scoring, and his family is very happy living abroad. So he must consider that as well.

I Never Considered Playing Abroad

Before moving to Newcastle, there were one or two conversations, but nothing substantial—just mentions of possible offers rather than real deals. My final choice was always Newcastle or Manchester United.

Sir Bobby Robson once said he wanted to take me to Barcelona. When I was leaving Blackburn, Robson wanted to sign me, and I told the club it definitely wouldn't happen. So he signed Ronaldo from PSV Eindhoven instead. I later asked him, "Well, it didn't turn out too badly for you and him, did it?"

Shearer Predicts 2024-25 Premier League Final Standings

1. Arsenal

2. Chelsea

3. Manchester City

4. Manchester United

5. Liverpool

6. Tottenham Hotspur

7. Aston Villa

8. Everton

9. AFC Bournemouth

10. Nottingham Forest

11. Brighton & Hove Albion

12. Leeds United

13. Brentford

14. Newcastle United

15. Sunderland

16. Crystal Palace

17. Ipswich Town

18. Fulham

19. Coventry City

20. Hull City

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