5 Key Premier League Transfers with FPL Potential in 2025/26
It was the sight of Simon Adingra signing for Sunderland that set WhatsApp chats buzzing about FPL potential. A budget midfielder, newly promoted side, and an early fixture list that doesn’t look too daunting – that’s enough to spark temptation in Fantasy Premier League circles.
But we’ve all been burned before. A summer signing can look perfect on paper yet fall flat when the lights come on. Just ask anyone who gambled on Valetim Barco in 2024.
With that in mind, we’ve picked out five summer transfers that have caught the eye for the 2025/26 FPL season. Some are safe enablers, others are calculated risks. The question is which ones are worth your early investment.
Simon Adingra – Sunderland (£5.5m, Midfielder)
Sunderland’s promotion brings Simon Adingra into FPL focus at a budget-friendly £5.5 million. His pre-season goal and likely increased minutes make him an appealing enabler for the first five gameweeks, which offer favourable fixtures for the Black Cats.
Despite his potential, Adingra’s unproven status in the Premier League warrants caution. Managers should monitor his early performances to assess consistent goal contributions.
Verdict: Wait and see. Could be gold, could be bench fodder.
Matheus Cunha – Manchester United (£8.0m, Midfielder)
Matheus Cunha’s switch from Wolverhampton Wanderers to Manchester United, coupled with his reclassification as a midfielder, raises eyebrows at £8.0 million. His stellar 2024/25 season contrasts with United’s tough opening fixtures, including clashes against top sides.
Pre-season suggests Cunha will maintain an attacking role, but replicating last season’s output under new tactics remains uncertain. With Fulham and Burnley among the first five gameweeks, he presents a mid-priced, moderate-risk option worth considering.
Verdict: Decent upside, but priced awkwardly. Needs watching.
Caoimhín Kelleher – Brentford (£4.5m, Goalkeeper)
Brentford’s decision to replace Mark Flekken with Caoimhín Kelleher at £4.5 million offers FPL managers a compelling budget goalkeeper. Liverpool fans will recall his reliability during Alisson Becker’s absences, showcasing his shot-stopping prowess.
The Bees’ largely unchanged backline provides stability, despite a mixed bag of opening fixtures.
At £4.5m, he’s firmly in that sweet spot for set-and-forget keepers. The Bees have kept their defensive core intact, with Nathan Collins, Ethan Pinnock, and Rico Henry all still in place. They won’t keep 15 clean sheets, but they’re solid enough to avoid weekly disasters.
Verdict: Safe value. Could be this season’s best £4.5m keeper.
João Pedro – Chelsea (£7.5m, Forward)
João Pedro’s move to Chelsea, alongside Cole Palmer’s resurgent form, seems an instant FPL hit. However, competition from Nicolas Jackson and Liam Delap raises concerns about his minutes under Enzo Maresca.
His Club World Cup performances underline his fit in Chelsea’s system, and their favourable first five gameweeks boost his appeal. Managers willing to gamble on consistent starts may find Pedro a rewarding mid-priced forward. He won’t be on penalties, but he will be a focal point of attack for one of the Premier League’s best sides.
Verdict: Boom-or-bust pick.
Mohammed Kudus – Tottenham (£6.5m, Midfielder)
Mohammed Kudus’ transfer to Tottenham fills a void left by Heung-Min Son’s departure and injuries to James Maddison and Dominic Solanke. His pre-season assist from a corner highlights his set-piece threat and guaranteed minutes.
Under Thomas Frank’s system, Kudus offers differential potential, despite initial caution over replacing Bryan Mbeumo’s output. There is a risk he gets shuffled into a deeper role as others return to fitness, but for the opening few gameweeks, he could be a differential gem.
Verdict: Underrated option. Could fly under the radar.
Final Thoughts about FPL Potential
Every year, FPL managers are lured by new signings with exciting price tags and promising fixtures. But for every hit like Bruno Fernandes in 2020, there’s a Donny van de Beek lurking in the shadows.
This year, Simon Adingra and Caoimhín Kelleher offer budget-friendly routes into steady points, while Kudus looks like an early-season sleeper. Cunha and Pedro are more volatile, but their ceilings are undeniably high.
The advice? Don’t just chase names. Watch how these players are used, track their minutes, and weigh their fixtures. That 0.1m saving now could make the difference when the wildcards fly in September.
Got your eye on someone else? Drop your picks in the comments below.
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