Louis Saha believes Newcastle United can challenge for the Premier League title next season, but says that's the case for five or six clubs.
An excellent season sees Eddie Howe's side just one win away from securing a top-four finish and a Champions League place next term. It's been an incredible rise after finishing 11th last season, with the takeover allowing for a new direction for the club.
But few predicted the Magpies would rise so quickly up the table to be finishing in the top four this term, and now most are warning that next season could be more difficult as their squad is more stretched as it battles on two fronts. But former Newcastle striker Saha has broken that trend, instead topping Newcastle to strengthen in the summer transfer window and continue to battle at the top end of the division - claiming they can be one of five or six clubs competing to win the Premier League title.
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Saha told OLBG: "Newcastle have shown that they can challenge for the title. I will expect a harder season this year. It can happen to anyone and any team can win the league as some teams can have a bad season and other teams can develop a win streak. People's heads can switch off at times. You have transfers and people's status can change.
"When you have success, you ask and dream bigger and want more. Let's see if they can manage that. It is a different type of animation, the fans and the club always want more. Eddie Howe has managed a good team and done a good job so far.
"But you must face reality. You have Manchester City who will always remain at the top, you have Liverpool that will come back into that race and Chelsea will come back into the race with their investments. In other European countries, the league is always decided between two teams. In the Premier League, it is five or six."
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