The international break is over, and Fantasy Premier League managers are wasting no time reshaping their squads ahead of Gameweek 7. With the Premier League continuing this weekend, several players have emerged as popular transfer targets, while some familiar names are falling out of favor.
Let's look at the biggest Gameweek 7 transfer trends, the players worth considering, and the potential pitfalls to watch before Saturday's deadline.
Let's examine the leading names and determine whether they deserve a place in your squad.
The most popular transfer of Gameweek 7. Maxim De Cuyper is currently leading the Gameweek 7 transfer charts, and his recent performances explain why so many managers want him in their teams.
The Brighton defender has accumulated 53 FPL points this season, establishing himself as one of the most productive defensive options in the game. His attacking involvement has been particularly appealing, making him more than just a player managers buy in the hope of a clean sheet.
His recent role has also helped generate interest. De Cuyper has been operating in advanced areas, giving him opportunities to contribute to attacks in addition to his defensive responsibilities. At £5.1 million, he remains an appealing option for managers looking to strengthen their defense without spending heavily on premium defenders.
Brighton host Crystal Palace in Gameweek 7, a fixture that has encouraged managers to bring him in. However, their subsequent away matches against Liverpool and Manchester City mean buyers should consider the longer-term outlook rather than focusing exclusively on the next deadline.
The forward everyone wants. João Pedro has become one of the most attractive forward options in FPL, and his popularity continues to grow ahead of Chelsea's trip to Everton.
The Brazilian forward has scored 45 points this season, averaging nine points per game according to the latest available figures before Gameweek 7. Those returns have made him particularly appealing to managers looking for a reliable source of attacking points.
His price has risen to £7.8 million, reflecting the demand for his services. Although that increase makes him slightly more expensive than before, he remains an interesting alternative to the game's premium forwards. Chelsea's immediate schedule is another reason for his popularity. They travel to Everton in Gameweek 7 before hosting Tottenham Hotspur in Gameweek 8.
Those fixtures provide a reasonable opportunity for João Pedro to maintain his momentum, although no player is guaranteed to return points simply because managers are buying him.
His growing ownership is also worth considering. If he delivers, managers who bring him in could benefit from his returns without taking a major differential risk. However, those hoping to gain ground in their mini-leagues may prefer a less popular alternative.
A midfield option enjoying a major resurgence. Pascal Groß has become one of the standout midfield targets ahead of Gameweek 7.
The Brighton midfielder has accumulated 53 FPL points, matching De Cuyper's total. His recent performances have pushed him toward the top of the form rankings, attracting hundreds of thousands of transfers. At £6.0 million, Groß offers an alternative to more expensive midfielders while leaving room in your budget for premium attackers elsewhere.
His appeal extends beyond his recent points total. Brighton's attacking approach can create opportunities for midfielders to contribute through goals and assists, and Groß's involvement makes him an interesting option for managers seeking value.
Brighton's home meeting with Crystal Palace is an attractive immediate fixture. Nevertheless, their following trips to Liverpool and Manchester City complicate the short-term outlook.
Managers should also remember that recent points can create inflated expectations. A player who has delivered excellent returns over a few matches will not necessarily maintain that rate throughout the season.
An exciting option with plenty of upside. Rayan Cherki is another name attracting significant attention, with more than 265,000 managers transferring him into their squads in the latest available snapshot.
The Manchester City midfielder offers the kind of attacking potential that makes him attractive to FPL managers. His technical ability and creative qualities could make him a productive fantasy asset when he receives sufficient playing time.
Manchester City's fixtures are also worth monitoring. They host Ipswich Town in Gameweek 7, presenting an opportunity for the team to generate attacking returns.
However, his popularity alone should not be enough to justify the transfer.
Another Chelsea asset gaining momentum. Morgan Rogers is attracting substantial interest, with more than 219,000 managers bringing him into their teams in the latest transfer report.
The Chelsea midfielder has collected 38 FPL points this season. His attacking potential and the club's upcoming fixtures have helped make him a popular option.
Chelsea travel to Everton in Gameweek 7 before welcoming Tottenham in Gameweek 8. Managers looking for attacking coverage from Chelsea may therefore be considering Rogers alongside João Pedro.
However, owning several players from the same team can create unnecessary concentration in your squad. If Chelsea struggle to score, multiple fantasy assets could disappoint simultaneously.
At £7.9 million, Rogers also represents a meaningful investment. Managers should assess his recent performances, expected minutes, and role in Chelsea's attack before making the move.
An emerging budget option. Mohamed Belloumi has also attracted attention, with more than 111,000 transfers into his FPL team in the latest available figures.
Budget midfielders can be valuable because they allow managers to spend more on premium attackers and reliable defenders. However, a low price is not enough to make a player a good fantasy asset.
It is also important to distinguish between a player attracting attention because of his price and one who is genuinely positioned to deliver consistent returns. If Belloumi is receiving regular playing time and demonstrating meaningful attacking involvement, he could become a useful squad option.
A premium option returning to the conversation. Cole Palmer is attracting renewed interest, with more than 106,000 managers transferring him in ahead of Gameweek 7.
At £9.7 million, Palmer is a significant investment, but his attacking quality makes him a player managers will naturally consider when assessing Chelsea's prospects.
The immediate fixtures against Everton and Tottenham offer an opportunity for Chelsea's attackers to produce returns. Palmer could benefit if he is fit, playing regularly, and involved in the team's most promising attacking situations. However, his fitness status requires particular attention.
Palmer was among the players reported to be carrying an injury concern around the international break. Managers should not assume he is available simply because his transfer numbers are increasing.
A forward to watch. Brighton's Charalampos Kostoulas has also attracted interest, with more than 93,000 managers bringing him into their squads in the latest available figures.
The forward has collected 29 FPL points this season, making him an option worth monitoring for managers looking beyond the most popular premium picks.
Brighton's favorable home fixture against Crystal Palace is contributing to the interest in the club's attacking players. However, the key question is whether Kostoulas can secure enough minutes to justify a place in your starting lineup.
A budget forward can be useful when he plays regularly and provides occasional attacking returns. Conversely, an inexpensive player who spends too much time on the bench may offer limited value, regardless of his team's attacking strength.
A defensive option gaining attention. Riccardo Calafiori rounds out this list with more than 91,000 transfers in. The Arsenal defender has attracted interest despite Gabriel Magalhães moving in the opposite direction in the transfer market.
Arsenal's defensive potential remains a major consideration for FPL managers, and defenders who can contribute attacking returns are especially appealing. Calafiori's suitability depends on more than Arsenal's reputation, though. Managers should assess his expected minutes, recent performances, and the possibility of rotation before bringing him in.
Arsenal travel to Nottingham Forest in Gameweek 7 before hosting Everton in Gameweek 8. Those fixtures could provide opportunities for defensive returns, although clean sheets are never guaranteed.
João Pedro, Maxim De Cuyper, and Pascal Groß are the leading transfer targets ahead of Gameweek 7. João Pedro is an appealing forward option, De Cuyper offers attacking potential from defense, and Groß provides a potentially valuable route into Brighton's midfield.
Cherki and Rogers are also worth considering, but managers should assess their expected minutes and compare them with alternative midfield options. Palmer could become an attractive purchase if his fitness is confirmed, while Calafiori offers another defensive option for managers seeking Arsenal coverage.
My preferred approach is to prioritize João Pedro if you need a forward, consider De Cuyper if your defense needs strengthening, and evaluate Groß if you want an affordable midfielder with strong recent returns. However, Brighton's fixtures after Gameweek 7 make it important to think beyond a single match.
In summary, make transfers that improve your team over several gameweeks, not moves driven solely by fear of missing out. The most popular player is not always the best player for your squad, and a carefully chosen transfer can be more valuable than following the crowd.
