Transfer activity has exploded ahead of Fantasy Premier League Gameweek 19, with injuries, form swings and fixture shifts driving some of the biggest moves we’ve seen this season.
Using data from the Transfer Analytics tool, this article breaks down the most popular FPL transfer combinations, explains why they’re happening, and highlights what managers can take from elite-level decision-making.
A clear story emerges from the Transfer Analytics data:
Top managers appear far more willing to move early this week, aggressively reacting to injury risk and fixture appeal rather than holding premium assets.
Best placed here to visually introduce where transfers are flowing across FPL, highlighting Fernandes, Timber and Semenyo as key “exit” players.
Based on overall FPL data and top-manager trends from the Transfer Analytics tool, these are the most common transfer combinations so far:
Cunha features in three of the top five moves, underlining just how central he is to Fantasy Premier League Gameweek 19 planning. It’s no surprise to see him included in this week’s Top 3 Captaincy Picks, with a favourable home fixture against Wolves adding to his appeal.
Bruno Fernandes’ hamstring injury has triggered one of the biggest transfer waves of the season. He was already the most-sold player last Gameweek and, according to the Transfer Analytics tool, has now been shipped out by over 430,000 FPL managers ahead of Gameweek 19. Ongoing uncertainty around his minutes — with a potential return not expected until Gameweek 22 — has made him simply too risky to hold.
By contrast, Matheus Cunha has been brought in by over 410,000 managers. He combines strong recent form — two goals and an assist in his last four games — with secure 90-minute appearances, benefiting from Manchester United’s injury list and AFCON absences. Add in an appealing short-term fixture run of WOL (H), LEE (A) and BUR (A), and the appeal is obvious.
As a result, this move has become the defining transfer of Fantasy Premier League Gameweek 19.
Antoine Semenyo is another major casualty this week. Despite returning in each of his last three matches against Brentford, Burnley and Manchester United, his appeal has faded quickly.
A difficult Chelsea (A) fixture, combined with uncertainty around his minutes amid rumours of a move to Manchester City, has made him an easy sell for Fantasy Premier League managers.
The move from Thiago to Hugo Ekitiké is a clear form-versus-form decision.
Thiago’s recent performances have offered limited attacking threat, while Ekitiké continues to post strong underlying numbers and now faces Leeds at home — a fixture that even puts him in the captaincy conversation for managers looking to go against Haaland.
Ekitiké may only be the seventh most transferred-in player this Gameweek (225,000+), but that’s largely because he was the most popular signing last Gameweek, attracting over 1.3 million transfers. He is now owned by 60.7% of the top one million managers, making him the fourth most-owned player in that cohort.
What was a differential just a fortnight ago has very quickly become close to essential in Fantasy Premier League.
Jurrien Timber is the most transferred-out defender in Fantasy Premier League this Gameweek. Fitness concerns and uncertainty around his minutes have prompted managers to look for safer, more reliable alternatives.
Reports suggest Gabriel will be subject to a late decision on his involvement vs Brighton. 📰
— Fantasy Football Fix (@FantasyFootyFix) December 27, 2025
FPL managers — are you bringing him straight back once he’s declared fit? 👀 pic.twitter.com/m7RBKOjS1E
Gabriel’s return offers a straightforward solution. Available at a cheaper price point, he provides:
With Aston Villa at home, this move allows FPL managers to retain Arsenal defensive coverage while significantly reducing risk.
Not all Bruno Fernandes replacements are explosive picks. Declan Rice has emerged as a steady alternative for managers prioritising security over upside. His defensive contribution points, set-piece involvement and guaranteed minutes provide valuable stability during an otherwise volatile period.
For Fantasy Premier League managers who are hesitant to move for Cunha — perhaps due to concerns over Manchester United’s attacking output without Fernandes — or who would prefer not to restructure their attack, Rice represents a low-risk bridge option.
Three key themes stand out for Fantasy Premier League Gameweek 19:
🔁 Bruno Fernandes is the clear exit point
🔥 Matheus Cunha is the central transfer target
🧱 Arsenal defenders remain core to elite strategies
Monitoring these trends via the Transfer Analytics tool can provide valuable insight into where rank gains — or losses — could be decided this week.
For a limited time only, you can unlock Premium Plus for 30 days for just £1 — the perfect boost for the busy festive schedule. 🎁
Join 89% of our members who won their main mini-league last season.
GET PREMIUM FOR £1Already a Premium user? Login here
© fantasyfootballfix 2024 | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Contact Us
