AI predicts Newcastle’s 2025/26 lineup

Newcastle United are preparing to live in the Champions League for the 2025/26 season after 12 months of positives at St. James Park.

Eddie Howe’s team had been waiting for a long Magpie trophy by lifting the EFL Cup, but finished in the top five in the Premier League to secure a return to Europe’s biggest club competition.

As a result, PIF and CO are busy in the transfer market ahead of their new season, trying to help Newcastle deal with their return to Europe.

Currently, X’s AI tool Grok is predicting Newcastle’s starting lineup ahead of its first Premier League game against Aston Villa on August 16th.

AI predicts Newcastle’s 2025/26 lineup

1

Goalkeeper: James Trafford

He is expected to finally arrive at St. James Park this summer, as the rumors for a few months are goalkeeper James Trafford.

The British appeared on Burnley on 24/25, conceded just 16 goals in 46 games, and he spent £30 million, ahead of Nick Pope as his “ball-playing ability suited Howe’s evolutionary style.”

2

RB: Tino Livramento

After helping England win the Under-21 European Championship this summer, Tino Libramento will maintain his place with the XI before Kieran Tripie.

According to Grok, “Livramento has emerged as a dynamic magpie option and is under contract for another three years.

3

CB: Sven Botman

The location of Sven Bottman’s side, known as the “cornerstone” on Newcastle’s side, looks nailed when he’s fit.

Dutchman only made eight appearances in the Premier League 24/7, so he is looking to put the injury issue behind him.

4

CB: Marc Guehi

In partnership with Botman, Grok expects Marc Guehi will sign Newcastle in a £46 million deal this summer despite interest from many other clubs.

The Crystal Palace captain has been on the Radar for a long time and could leave Selhurst Park with 12 months remaining on his contract.

5

LB: Lewis Hall

After permanently moving the loan in 2024, Lewis Hall is a regular at Newcastle’s left-back and is projected to remain in his position at XI.

Grok says Hall’s “development into key starters” is prominent, chipping in with five assists last year.

6

CM: Bruno Guimarès

Despite linking to a move away from Newcastle again this summer, Groke predicts Bruno Guimaret will remain at St. James Park and once again play a key role.

On Hau’s part, the Brazilian “leadership and all-action style” is essential, and he still has three years left on the contract.

7

CM: Sandro Tonali

Along with Guimares, he is a player he is well known in Sandro Tonali. The Italians missed two league games on 24/25, “proving to be essential” under Howe.

Grok adds that Tonali’s “Box-to-Box Energy complements Howe’s System,” but Xi may not have a place in Joelinton.

8

AM: King

Complete the three-man midfield in an offensive role is a potential new signature at Ebebeki Eze, Crystal Palace star whose Eagles star has become avid Newcastle.

The British may have a £68 million release clause that they may need to trigger. Glock states that Eze’s “verbility as a No. 10 or winger fits with Howe’s fluid attack.”

9

RW: Mohammed Kudus

Another star linked to the trip to Newcastle this summer is Winger Mohamed Kudus in West Ham.

With Hammer accepting offers in the £60 million region, PIF may need to act quickly, as Tottenham and Chelsea also show interest in Kudus.

10

ST: Alexander Isaac

Without a doubt, Newcastle’s most important business this summer is to keep star striker Alexander Isaac.

After competing in the Champions League, Glock believes Isaac will not go anywhere and labels him “uncontrollable” at St. James Park.