Departures of Thomas Frank and Bryan Mbeumo among others mean uncertainty is unavoidable this season
Guardian writers’ predicted position: 18th (NB: this is not necessarily John Brewin’s prediction but the average of our writers’ tips)
Last season’s position: 10th
Today’s rumours are hoping to close a deal
With less than a month remaining in the summer transfer window, deals that have been bubbling away for weeks will suddenly hit a boiling point as clubs, players and agents scramble to finalise moves.
Newcastle, for one, are getting impatient. They are reportedly expecting a high-stakes bidding war for RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, upping their offer to an eye-watering £69.7m plus add-ons, which is closer to matching Leipzig’s valuation of the Slovene. Manchester United are lurking in the shadows with sources suggesting they do not need to sell anyone to make a move despite their intentions to offload Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony and Tyrell Malacia. Eddie Howe’s side will be desperate to secure the striker’s signature despite Alexander Isak being expected to return to training, with the Swede’s head everywhere but Tyneside.