Last updated on July 21st, 2026
Figure 1 The new EPL season is almost here – Source: Pixabay
Fantasy Premier League players will have sat back and enjoyed the World Cup over the summer, watching games without the added tension of wondering if their team is doing well or ruing a decision to leave a player on the bench. But the new EPL and FPL season will soon be upon us, and there will be new arrivals to consider.
The EPL 2026-27 season does not actually kick off until August 21st, so there is still time to consult the best online sportsbook reviews to discover the best places to make your predictions. The summer transfer window has been open since the middle of June, however, so there has already been some activity from England’s top clubs.
There is still plenty of time for the teams to do more business, of course, with the window only finally closing on September 1st. For FPL managers, it is a time to evaluate the new faces and consider how they may, or may not, be able to strengthen their squads. With that in mind, here is what we think of some new arrivals, some players who might end up in the EPL, and some familiar faces who will be turning out in different color jerseys next season.
Sean Steur, Newcastle United
It is a strange time to be a Newcastle fan. Only a few years after the club was taken over with Saudi money and the promise of glory days ahead, there is still confusion over the lack of progress made and the fact that Newcastle seems to be losing out to other clubs when it comes to attracting new talent.
The biggest signing of the summer so far has been Bazoumana Touré from Hoffenheim. But a more interesting move could be the capture of Sean Steur from Ajax. The central midfielder broke through in the Eredivisie last season and is considered a huge prospect for the future. With so many departures from St. James’ Park, Steur may well be given a chance to prove himself straight away, making his potentially low FPL value a real asset. His lack of goals might be a problem in the fantasy game, however.
Jérémy Jacquet, Liverpool
One of the earliest transfer deals of the summer, Jérémy Jacquet committed to Liverpool a while back and is expected to be thrown into the first team at Anfield next season. Although he was actually signed by Arne Slot, it is thought that new boss Adroni Iraola is a big fan, meaning that game time is almost guaranteed.
Jacquet comes in as some very big names will be departing the Liverpool defense, so there is no doubt that he will have to hit the ground running. He is not expected to be cheap in FPL, however, and there will be some concern over his injury problems in the past. But his ability to defend strongly, while also contributing creatively, should appeal to many.
Michael Svoboda, Brighton and Hove Albion
Anyone who has excelled in Italy as a defender deserves some attention, and after six seasons at Venezia, Michael Svoboda has now made the move to the EPL. Although he was part of the Austria squad at the World Cup, he didn’t get any game time, meaning that Brighton fans were unable to make an early evaluation of his potential for the season ahead.
Something of a late bloomer, Svoboda came through the lower leagues in his native Austria before switching to Venezia, where he was valued enough to remain an important part of the team as the team yo-yoed between Serie A and B. There will be a reset of Brighton’s defense this season, so Svoboda should get a chance to prove his worth.
Possible New Arrivals
Gone are the days of the World Cup throwing up a complete unknown, who invariably went on to do very little at his new club immediately after the tournament. But it is still a place where players can inspire a decision from an EPL team looking to recruit. Three big names on the EPL radar this summer are France’s Manu Koné, Argentina’s Julián Alvarez, and Switzerland’s Johan Manzambi.
All three would be ideal additions to any possible EPL team, as well as FPL sides. Alvarez has Premier League experience, of course, while Koné has proven that he can control the play in front of a defense. Both are outside shots at arriving in England, however.
Johan Manzambi is the one who could well be lining up for Aston Villa next season, and his performances in the World Cup proved that he is a very exciting prospect. He may find he is part of a rotational squad, thanks to Villa’s fight on multiple fronts, but a good start to the season could make him one of Unai Emery’s most important players.
Figure 2 Fans will be on the look-out for differentials – Source: Pexels
Old Faces, New Clubs
When it comes to new signings – for EPL and FPL teams – some of the best results have been players who already have experience of the top league in England. These are tried and trusted, and usually become important players at their new clubs too. Elliot Anderson is the most obvious example this season, although whether he will be as important to Manchester City as he was to Nottingham Forest is a real question for FPL managers.
Spurs have been the busiest in the transfer window, with Sandro Tonali one of the biggest names to join the club. He could be a very good addition to what looks like an exciting team, but his lack of goals and high price may deter fantasy managers. A better prospect might be Harry Wilson. He has emerged as a real go-to player for Fulham and Wales in recent seasons, and his move to Leeds could see him become even more important as the club looks to stay up again next season. He could end up being a bargain buy in the midfield when it comes to FPL.
