Top 5 FPL Transfer Moves: What Top Managers Are Doing in Gameweek 17

With Gameweek 17 approaching, Fantasy Premier League managers are making decisive moves in the transfer market. By analysing data from the Transfer Analytics tool, we can identify the most popular transfer combinations and understand the thinking behind them.

These trends highlight how top FPL managers are reacting to form, fixtures, injuries and AFCON absences — and where the wider game is heading this week.

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The Most Popular FPL Transfer Combinations in Gameweek 17

Based on Transfer Analytics data, these are the most common transfer combinations being made by top-performing managers ahead of Gameweek 17:

A clear pattern emerges: managers are moving away from underperforming or unavailable assets and targeting in-form, high-value replacements.

Transfer 1: Ekitiké Replaces Mateta

Why Ekitiké Is Gaining Momentum

Liverpool’s Ekitiké has become one of the most popular forward transfers in Fantasy Premier League this week with over 690,000 transfers in as shown in the Transfer Analytics tool. Priced at £8.6m, he has delivered four goals in his last two matches, returning 26 FPL points and collecting six bonus points in the process.

His underlying numbers back up the returns, with an expected FPL score close to 20 over that spell. He travels to Spurs next, who are coming off the back of conceding three goals to Nottingham Forest, before a favourable run of home fixtures against Wolves and Leeds.
With form and fixtures aligning, FPL managers appear willing to back him and jump on now.

Why Mateta Is Being Sold

Jean-Philippe Mateta has struggled to justify his £7.8m price tag in recent weeks. Across his last three appearances, he has managed just six FPL points, failing to register a goal or an assist and regularly making way around the 60–65 minute mark.

While Crystal Palace travel to Leeds next, the lack of attacking returns has prompted many FPL managers to move funds elsewhere, favouring more explosive forward options.

Transfer 2: Woltemade Makes Way for Ekitiké

Woltemade’s Declining Appeal

Newcastle forward Woltemade is another player being sold in large numbers, with over 400,000 managers parting ways according to the Transfer Analytics tool.

He has managed just seven FPL points across his last three matches — including an own goal against Sunderland — while offering limited goal threat with only one shot on target.

A tough home fixture against Chelsea has further dented his appeal, making him a prime candidate for managers looking to reshape their forward line.

One Winner, Two Sacrifices

The fact that Ekitiké features in two of the top three transfer combinations underlines his growing popularity. FPL managers are consolidating funds, moving away from underperforming forwards and backing a player in form with a favourable run of fixtures.

Transfer 3: Wilson Replaces Dewsbury-Hall

Wilson’s Outstanding Value

Fulham midfielder Harry Wilson has emerged as one of the standout budget options in FPL. Priced at £5.6m, he has delivered 32 points across his last three matches, scoring twice and providing four assists. Only Foden (40) and Bruno Fernandes (35) have returned more over that period.

His creative output and central role in Fulham’s attack make him excellent value, particularly with a home fixture against Nottingham Forest in Gameweek 17.

Dewsbury-Hall Concerns

Kieran Dewsbury-Hall’s appeal has taken a hit due to injury doubts and a difficult away fixture against Arsenal. While his recent returns have been impressive, the combination of uncertainty and fixture difficulty has seen managers move on quickly.

Transfer 4: Foden In as Mbeumo Heads to AFCON

Foden Back in Form

Phil Foden has well and truly rediscovered his attacking output, scoring six goals across his last four matches and racking up 55 FPL points.

Manchester City’s home fixture against West Ham only adds to the appeal, with Foden projected to be one of the standout midfield options this Gameweek.

AFCON Forces Mbeumo Sales

Bryan Mbeumo is the most-sold player in Gameweek 17, with over one million managers transferring him out, according to Transfer Analytics data. His departure for AFCON leaves him unavailable, making this a straightforward decision for Fantasy Premier League managers.

Transfer 5: Wilson Again as Mbeumo Replacement

Wilson appears once more as the preferred replacement for Mbeumo, reinforcing how popular he has become among top managers. His price point, form, and reliability make him an easy downgrade that frees up funds elsewhere without sacrificing attacking potential.

What These FPL Transfer Trends Tell Us

The data from the Transfer Analytics tool shows a clear strategy emerging:

• AFCON absentees are being removed quickly
• Form players like Ekitiké and Wilson are being prioritised
• Managers are favouring value and availability over fixtures alone

As always in Fantasy Premier League, these trends don’t guarantee success — but they do provide a strong indication of where the game’s momentum is heading in Gameweek 17.

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