Top FPL Managers' Transfer Targets: Gameweek 12's Most Popular Moves

Gameweek 12 is proving to be one of the most active transfer periods of the season, with injuries, fixture swings, and emerging bandwagons driving huge movement across Fantasy Premier League.

Using the Transfer Analytics tool, we highlight the most popular moves top managers are making — from defenders being sold in droves to budget forwards becoming hot property.

This breakdown shows the top transfer combinations, the most transferred-in players, and the biggest sells, helping you understand where the smart money is going ahead of GW12.

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Top Fantasy Premier League Managers Lead the Way

These are the top 10 transfer combinations of top managers for FPL Gameweek 12:

Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk Emerges as Premium Defensive Target

Transfer In: Virgil van Dijk (£5.9m)

Virgil ranks second in the top transfer combinations, highlighting just how popular he is among highly-ranked managers this Gameweek.

Gabriel’s injury — combined with his huge ownership of 73.6% in the top 1M — has created immediate defensive issues, and with Liverpool entering one of the best fixture runs in the league, many managers are turning to the Dutchman.

His next three fixtures (Nottingham Forest, West Ham, Sunderland) make him one of the strongest defensive picks for Gameweek 12.

Arsenal's Gabriel Faces Injury Concerns

Transfer Out: Gabriel (£6.6m)

Gabriel is the second most transferred-out player this week, with over 300,000 managers moving him on, as highlighted in the Transfer Analytics tool.

Despite his strong recent performances — and the fact he is the second-highest scoring player in the game (81 points) — his 50% injury flag and growing rumours that he could be sidelined for at least a month have triggered a mass sell-off.

However, if you own him, it may be worth waiting to hear what Arteta says in today’s press conference before making a final decision.

Brentford's Thiago Offers Premium Forward Value

Transfer In: Thiago (£6.3m)

Thiago is rapidly rising in popularity, largely due to managers switching away from Woltemade.

With 3 goals and 20 FPL points in his last three matches — backed up by strong underlying numbers — he has quickly become one of the best-value options in the game. He even featured in the “perfect” Wildcard draft we highlighted in our recent article, FPL Tips for Gameweek 12: The Perfect Wildcard Team.

Crystal Palace's Mateta Provides Striker Stability

Transfer In: Jean-Philippe Mateta (£8.1m)

Mateta continues to establish himself as a reliable forward option. Appearing in the top transfer combinations for elite managers, he offers consistent minutes, penalty involvement, and a strong fixture this week against Wolves.

His recent returns and steady involvement make him an appealing option for managers seeking security up front.

Manchester United's Mbeumo Shows Attacking Promise

Transfer In: Bryan Mbeumo (£8.5m)

Mbeumo is the most transferred-in player this Gameweek, with over 400,000 new owners according to the Transfer Analytics tool.

A quick look at his underlying numbers from the last five Gameweeks makes it easy to see why:

• Only Haaland (6) has scored more goals than his 4
  
• He has the most big chances (6) among midfielders
  
• He’s third for FPL points (39) over that period
  

It’s no surprise he’s become the standout midfield pick for Gameweek 12.

Newcastle's Woltemade Falls Out of Favour

Transfer Out: Woltemade (£7.4m)

Woltemade appears twice in the top five most popular transfer combinations — both times as a player being sold. With Manchester City (H) up next, just one shot on target since Gameweek 8, and growing concerns over Newcastle’s form, he has become one of the easiest forwards to move on this week.

Manchester City's Reijnders Struggles for Minutes

Transfer Out: Tijjani Reijnders (£5.5m)

Reijnders has become a rotation risk, with limited minutes recently and minimal attacking threat. With so many stronger midfield options emerging, managers are quickly replacing him with players who offer higher upside and more reliable game time.

Newcastle's Burn Faces Suspension Woes

Transfer Out: Dan Burn (£5.2m)

Burn’s suspension rules him out for Gameweek 12, making him a straightforward sell. Combined with a difficult fixture against Manchester City, he offers no short-term benefit and has been moved on by large numbers of managers.

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