Top 5 Transfer Combinations Among FPL Managers for Gameweek 9

As we head into Gameweek 9, FPL managers are making some big calls — and the Transfer Analytics tool reveals some striking trends.

From Salah’s mass exodus to the surge in ownership for Newcastle’s new forward Woltemade, the data tells a clear story of shifting trust and emerging value.

Let’s break down the biggest moves driving FPL transfer activity this week 👇

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1️⃣ Mohamed Salah → Bukayo Saka

This is the most popular transfer combination across FPL, accounting for 7.4% of all moves.

Managers are moving away from Liverpool’s £14.4m talisman after a quiet spell — just 6 points in his last three matches, despite an xFPL of 18.5. Salah has still shown some promise with 2 big chances created and 8 total attempts, but at such a hefty price, he’s failing to deliver consistent returns.

As shown in the Transfer Analytics tool, he’s now the most-sold player, with over 460,000 managers moving him on.

In contrast, Saka (£10.0m) has returned 17 points in his last three, combining a goal, an assist and bonus points. With upcoming fixtures against Crystal Palace (H), Burnley (A) and Sunderland (A), the Arsenal midfielder looks an appealing replacement with solid attacking data and favourable fixtures ahead.

2️⃣ Viktor Gyökeres → Jean-Philippe Mateta

Another major shift sees FPL managers moving from Gyökeres (£9.0m) to Mateta (£7.6m), as patience wears thin.

Gyökeres has posted 11 shots but no goals in his last three, returning just 6 FPL points. His upcoming fixtures (Palace, Burnley, Sunderland) still look decent — but many managers are opting for form over fixtures.

Mateta, meanwhile, has been on fire: 3 goals, 3 bonus points, and 17 points in total against Bournemouth in Gameweek 8.

3️⃣ Gyökeres → Nick Woltemade

If there’s one name dominating transfer trends, it’s Woltemade (£7.4m).

He tops the Transfers In chart with nearly 550,000 new owners, according to the Transfer Analytics tool.

The Newcastle forward has scored 4 goals in 5 games and is ranked top among his teammates for FPL points (32) over their previous five league matches. With fixtures against Fulham (H), West Ham (A), and Brentford (A), he offers big potential at great value.

4️⃣ Richarlison → Woltemade

Richarlison (£6.6m) continues to frustrate managers, producing just 4 points from 136 minutes recently.

He seems to have lost his starting place and with fixtures against Everton (A), Chelsea (H), and Man Utd (H), it’s no surprise to see many jumping ship — and Woltemade is again the main beneficiary.

The Transfer Analytics visualisation highlights this clearly, with a strong flow of transfers moving away from underperforming attackers towards the Newcastle striker.

5️⃣ Alexander Isak → Woltemade

Finally, another notable trend involves Isak (£10.5m). Despite the high expectations after finishing as the top goal-scoring forward in the 2024/25 season, he’s struggled to find form for Liverpool, producing just 9 points from his last three matches. To make matters worse, he went off injured at half-time in their Champions League clash with Frankfurt.

Given the uncertainty around his fitness, the move to Woltemade makes perfect sense for FPL managers seeking a reliable Newcastle forward. The German striker was signed as Isak’s summer replacement — and he’s quickly becoming that for FPL managers too, offering a cheaper, in-form alternative with a strong run of fixtures ahead.

Conclusion: What the Transfer Trends Tell Us

The Transfer Analytics tool paints a clear picture:

• Salah, João Pedro, and Gyökeres are the most-sold players this week.
  
• Woltemade is the clear bandwagon, topping transfers in and dominating multiple move combinations.
  
• Isak’s injury has accelerated Woltemade’s rise as managers look for a reliable replacement.
  
• Saka and Mateta are the other big winners, both combining form and strong fixtures.
  

As always, the data highlights how quickly sentiment can shift in FPL. Staying on top of these trends can make the difference between climbing and falling in the ranks — especially when value options like Woltemade emerge just as premiums like Salah and Isak fade.

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