Newcastle United will aim to build on the success of what has been a remarkable season.
The 2024/25 campaign will live long in the memory for Newcastle United fans.
The trophy drought came to an end, with Newcastle winning the Carabao Cup after beating Liverpool at Wembley.
On top of that, the Magpies could qualify for the Champions League. Their fate is in their own hands, with Newcastle needing to beat Everton on the final day of the season to confirm a top five finish.
Given how well they have played in 2025, some pundits have debated if Eddie Howe’s side could challenge for the Premier League title next season.
Ben Foster thinks Newcastle need three signings to become title contenders, but Paul Merson does not believe that the Magpies are at that level yet.
Paul Merson delivers verdict on Newcastle United being title contenders
During an appearance on Sky Sports News (22/05/25, 10am) to discuss Tottenham Hotspur’s Europa League final victory, Merson made some early predictions for the 2025/26 Premier League campaign.
In his eyes, there are only three teams capable of winning the Premier League next year, and Newcastle United are not one of them.
“There are three teams that can win the Premier League next season,” he said.
“That will be Arsenal, Liverpool and Man City. They will be the three teams. I do not see anyone else challenging.
“Villa, Chelsea and Newcastle will be challenging for the other [European] places, in my opinion. That is it.”
What will make next season successful for Newcastle United
It would be a huge surprise if Newcastle United were Premier League title challengers next season.
That is unlikely to be Eddie Howe’s goal. Instead, the Newcastle United manager will strive for consistency and a stronger performance in Europe.
Newcastle want to be an elite club. For that to happen, they need to consistently compete in the Champions League and challenge for trophies.
Qualifying for the Champions League on a regular basis will be very difficult. It means consistently finishing in the top four or five of the Premier League.
That will be the challenge for the Magpies, while they will also hope to do better in Europe after exiting the Champions League at the earliest opportunity last season.
Whether or not that will happen will depend on Newcastle’s depth. Injuries massively hurt the Magpies last season, as they failed to handle the rigours of combining Champions League football with their domestic commitments.
Newcastle need a deeper squad, with Toon sporting director Paul Mitchell tasked with making that a reality.
It has been reported that Newcastle want at least three signings, with Howe eager to bring in a goalkeeper, centre-back and right winger.
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