Managers in Fantasy Premier League should be aware that a host of players will soon leave their clubs to take part in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and Asian Cup.
Both tournaments start in January, and the Fantasy players involved could be absent from Gameweeks 21-24, depending on their nations’ progress.
Fantasy players in international action
| Player | Position | Ownership % |
|---|---|---|
| Salah (LIV) | MID | 55.2% |
| Son (TOT) | MID | 44.5% |
| Onana (MUN) | GKP | 14.6% |
| Hwang (WOL) | MID | 10.5% |
| Mbeumo (BRE) | MID | 8.0% |
| Wissa (BRE) | FWD | 6.5% |
| Jackson (CHE) | FWD | 6.5% |
| Kudus (WHU) | MID | 7.2% |
The departures of Mohamed Salah (£13.3m) and Son Heung-min (£9.9m) will have a big impact on FPL managers’ plans, given they are the top-scoring players over the opening 17 Gameweeks and are among the six most-popular players in Fantasy.
Meanwhile, managers who are rushing to buy Mohammed Kudus (£6.8m) should be aware that he is set to represent Ghana at AFCON. The West Ham United star was the fifth most-bought player ahead of Gameweek 19.
Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka (£9.0m) is the obvious replacement for Salah and Son owners, although he is already owned by over 58 per cent.
Interest in Saka’s team-mate Martin Odegaard (£8.4m), along with Chelsea’s Cole Palmer (£5.6m) and West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen (£7.9m) is bound to escalate.
Son’s team-mate Richarlison (£6.8m) is another option. The Brazilian has profited from a recent role up front, scoring four goals in his last three matches.
Richarlison’s GW18 goal v Everton
“He’s at his best right now!” ?
A fantastic team move is finished off by @Richarlison97 ? pic.twitter.com/pKkWd9hZGp
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) December 23, 2023
Other players set to depart include Manchester United’s Andre Onana (£4.8m) and Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson (£6.9m).
Jackson’s absence could allow Christopher Nkunku (£7.4m) the opportunity to establish himself as the Blues’ first-choice forward.
Nottingham Forest, meanwhile, are likely to be the club most affected, with many of their regulars in defence departing.
This could lift the appeal of bringing in opposition attackers in Gameweeks 21-24, as Nuno Espirito Santo’s side face Brentford, Arsenal, AFC Bournemouth and Newcastle United.