The Ever-Changing FPL Landscape

As the Premier League season pauses for another international break, the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) scene is constantly evolving. Managers are busy reshaping their squads, responding to injuries, shifts in player form, and upcoming fixture changes.

In this article, we take a closer look at the early trends in the FPL transfer market, highlighting surprising moves and significant price changes.

Here are the top 10 most transferred-in players for Gameweek 12, as shown in the Transfer Activity tool.

Salah's Sensational FPL Form

Mohamed Salah (£12.9m) tops the list as the most transferred-in player, with an impressive 230,069 managers adding him to their squads.

The appeal of the Egyptian King is clear: he has already scored 107 points this season, averaging a remarkable 9.7 points per game, as shown in the Opta Heatmaps tool. With 8 goals and 6 assists so far, Salah's underlying stats are equally strong, although they indicate some overperformance. His expected goals (xG) of 6.64 and expected assists (xA) of 3.81 may simply underscore how prolific the Liverpool talisman truly is.

Bruno's Bargain Appeal

Bruno Fernandes (£8.4m) has attracted the attention of 172,814 managers, making him the second most transferred-in player.

Although he has accumulated a modest 50 points so far, his potential for big returns has been revitalised since Ten Hag’s departure as manager. With two goals, two assists, and six bonus points in his last two games, and upcoming fixtures against Ipswich (A) and Everton (H), it's clear why FPL managers are keen to bring him in.

Wissa's Wonderful Value

Yoane Wissa (£6.1m) rounds out the top three with 163,761 transfers in. The Brentford forward has impressed, scoring 6 goals and providing 2 assists for a total of 54 points.

While his underlying stats are modest—with 9 shots on target from 15 attempts—Wissa's efficiency in front of goal (xG of 4.43) makes him an appealing budget option for FPL managers. However, as discussed in yesterday's comparison with Wolves' Cunha, there may be stronger budget alternatives up front.

Top Transfers Out: The FPL Exodus

Here are the top 10 most transferred-out players for Gameweek 12, as shown in the Transfer Activity tool.

Haaland's Continued FPL Underperformance

Erling Haaland (£15.2m) leads the list of most transferred-out players, with 193,000 managers moving away from the Norwegian striker. Despite his impressive 12 goals and 82 points this season, a recent dip in returns has driven this wave of transfers.

Haaland’s underlying stats remain exceptional, with 32 shots on target from 56 attempts and an xG of 11.7, hinting at a potential resurgence. However, with other players emerging as strong captaincy options in upcoming Gameweeks, managers are questioning whether he's worth the premium price tag.

Alexander-Arnold's Defensive Dilemma

Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.0m) has been transferred out by 170,128 managers. With only 47 points and a single assist, he has left many feeling disappointed.

Nonetheless, his creative potential remains strong—he has created 6 big chances and boasts an xA of 2.76, second only to Digne (3.05) among defenders, according to the Opta Stats Sandbox tool, suggesting he should have delivered more returns. However, a hamstring injury and the uncertainty around his return have prompted managers to see this as an opportunity to cut their losses.

McNeil's Midfield Misfire

Dwight McNeil (£5.7m) ranks third among the most transferred-out players, with 106,997 managers opting to move on. The Everton midfielder has scored 51 points this season, including 3 goals and 3 assists, but recent form has shaken manager confidence. After missing the last game against West Ham due to injury and blanking in the two prior matches, McNeil is losing his appeal for many.

Top FPL Transfer Combinations: The Tactical Shifts

Here are the top 10 transfer combinations for Gameweek 12, as shown in the Transfer Activity tool.

Haaland to Cunha: Budget Reallocation

The most popular move is swapping Haaland for Matheus Cunha (£6.8m). The Wolves striker has impressed with 5 goals and 2 assists, accumulating 59 points. His 11 shots on target from 31 attempts and involvement in creating 9 big chances showcase his all-round potential.

Haaland to Isak: The Striker Swap

Another popular transfer combination sees managers replacing Erling Haaland with Alexander Isak (£8.4m). Newcastle's forward has been in fine form, with 4 goals and 2 assists contributing to his 47 points. Isak's 11 shots on target from 26 attempts and xG of 4.12 indicate he could be a worthy replacement for the Man City forward.

McNeil to Semenyo: Midfield Makeover

Many managers are choosing to replace Dwight McNeil with Antoine Semenyo (£5.7m). The Bournemouth player has delivered 46 points this season, making him the team’s top scorer so far.

Conclusion: Navigating the FPL Waters

As we navigate through this transfer frenzy, it's clear that injuries, form, and fixture difficulty are driving many of the decisions. Salah's consistency, Bruno's potential, and budget options like Wissa are attracting attention. Meanwhile, the Haaland conundrum continues to shape the market, with managers seeking alternatives in Isak and Cunha.