Best Budget FPL Midfielders for the 2025/26 FPL Season

After what felt like an eternal wait, Fantasy Premier League officially launched on July 21st—its most delayed debut in nearly a decade.

But the delay came with rewards. This season’s game arrives with a refreshing mix of surprises, from revamped scoring rules to a sleeker, more intuitive interface. And it’s not just the FPL platform that’s evolving; major shifts are taking place across clubs as well. Familiar faces like Marcus Rashford and Trent Alexander-Arnold—long-time staples of FPL squads—have exited the stage, making way for an exciting new generation: Mbeumo, Cunha, Gyökeres, Cherki, Wirtz, Frimpong, Kerkez, Reijnders, Gittens, and others promising to shake up the template.

With the curtain rising on a brand-new campaign, it’s time to get our planning hats on. And what better place to begin than with midfielders—arguably the heartbeat of any successful FPL team? In this series, we’ll break them down into three categories based on price:

Budget (£4.5m–£6.0m)
Midpriced (£6.5m–£8.0m)
Premium (£8.5m and above)

Link to all our FPL Midfielders blogs for this season can be found here in one place -> Link

In today’s piece, we start with the underdogs—the budget midfielders. These are the unglamorous heroes of FPL; players who may fly under the radar but often prove invaluable. Think of them like a spark plug in a Formula 1 car—small, often overlooked, but without which the machine doesn’t run. Some of FPL’s greatest point hauls have come from these bargain-bin picks:

Cole Palmer (23/24) – £5.0m, 244 points
Riyad Mahrez (15/16) – £5.5m, 240 points
Charlie Adam (10/11) – £5.0m, 192 points
Anthony Gordon (23/24) – £5.5m, 186 points
Josh King (16/17) – £5.5m, 178 points
Adam Lallana (13/14) – £6.0m, 178 points
Dele Alli (15/16) – £5.0m, 166 points
Antoine Semenyo (24/25) – £5.5m, 165 points
Morgan Rogers (24/25) – £5.0m, 161 points
Jacob Murphy (24/25) – £5.5m, 159 points
Justin Kluivert (24/25) – £5.5m, 158 points
Miguel Almirón (22/23) – £5.0m, 158 points
Alex Iwobi (24/25) – £5.5m, 156 points
Anthony Elanga (24/25) – £5.5m, 153 points

In a game where balance is everything, these affordable midfielders allow you to unlock funds for those big-hitters up front or at the back, while still delivering consistent returns. So don’t be fooled by their modest price tags—these are players capable of punching well above their weight.

But before we get stuck into the stats and recommendations, we would like to pause for a moment to honour Diogo Jota. A gifted footballer and a beloved FPL asset, he was more than just numbers on a spreadsheet—he was admired by teammates, respected across nations, and loved by fans. His sudden passing has left a deep void in the football community. It’s a sobering reminder of life’s fragility. May his soul rest in peace—he will be deeply missed.

Best Budget FPL Midfielders (<=6.0 Million)

Elliot Anderson (£5.5m) – MID, Nott’m Forest – 2.3% TSB

Best Budget FPL Midfielders - Elliot Anderson (£5.5m)

Elliot Anderson might not have grabbed headlines last season, but he was quietly putting in superhero-level shifts in the heart of midfield—more Clark Kent than Superman in the limelight, but no less effective. He finished with 107 FPL points, courtesy of 2 goals and 6 assists. But those numbers barely scratch the surface of his impact.

If last season had featured the new FPL rule that rewards defensive contributions, Anderson would’ve seen his points total soar to 143—a massive leap that would’ve made him the second-highest scoring midfielder for defensive actions, narrowly trailing only a handful of elite names. His 207 possession recoveries were bettered by just two players across the entire Premier League. That’s the kind of stat line Batman’s utility belt would be proud of.

Anderson CBITR/90 Last Season: 13.35 (12 CBITR actions get extra 2 points)

Now locked in as a nailed starter for Nottingham Forest, Anderson enters the new season like a cartoon underdog ready for a breakout arc. Forest’s early fixture list is fairly friendly—just one game ranks 4 or above on the FDR scale—which gives this midfield workhorse the perfect stage to shine. His tireless pressing, interceptions, and knack for winning duels could make him one of the breakout stars in the new-look FPL scoring system.

Ignore him at your peril—every squad needs its unsung hero. And this season, Elliot Anderson might just be yours.

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Moisés Caicedo (£5.5m) – MID, Chelsea – 7.5% TSB

Best Budget FPL Midfielders - Moisés Caicedo (£5.5m)

For years, defensive midfielders like Moises Caicedo have been the forgotten warriors of FPL—doing all the dirty work without any reward. They were the Atlas of their teams, carrying the weight of defensive duties without the glory of goals or assists. But this season, the tides have turned.

With the introduction of defensive contribution points, Caicedo finally steps out of the shadows and into the FPL limelight. In fact, if this rule had been active last season, the Ecuadorian powerhouse would’ve racked up 140 points—the highest among all midfielders for defensive work.

Caicedo CBITR/90 Last Season: 12.20 (12 CBITR actions get extra 2 points)

A true ironman, Caicedo started every single league game for Chelsea last season, and has now clocked 105 starts out of a possible 114 games over the last three campaigns. That’s the kind of consistency you’d expect from a mythic guardian—a Hector or Bhima patrolling the midfield battleground, tireless and unyielding.

Now add to that Chelsea’s favourable opening fixtures and you’ve got a nailed, fit starter for a Top 4 contender.

He may not dazzle with flair, but Caicedo is your ‘set-and-forget’ sentinel, ready to anchor your FPL squad at a bargain price—at least until your first Wildcard. Ignore him, and you might miss out on a hero disguised as a humble shieldbearer.

Further Read: Best £4.5 Million FPL Defenders for the 2025/26 FPL Season

Tijjani Reijnders (£5.5m) – MID, Man City – 5.1% TSB

Best Budget FPL Midfielders - Tijjani Reijnders

Among the many exciting new arrivals in the Premier League this season, Manchester City’s latest midfield acquisition, Tijjani Reijnders, could prove to be a true gem—particularly for FPL managers hunting for value in the budget bracket. Priced at just £5.5m, Reijnders is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing low-cost midfielders in the game.

Last season, the Dutchman put up impressive numbers at AC Milan in Serie A, scoring 10 goals and providing 4 assists—a solid return for a central midfielder. He showcased a great mix of composure, ball progression, and attacking intent, often arriving late in the box and contributing to Milan’s build-up play in the final third. Now, having made the move to the Etihad, his attacking potential under Pep Guardiola’s system could be further amplified—provided he gets the minutes.

That, of course, is always the caveat when it comes to Manchester City assets. No matter how talented, Pep’s rotation policy (affectionately—or frustratingly—dubbed “Pep Roulette”) means that players can find themselves benched even after strong performances. Expected Minutes (xMins) remains the most elusive stat for City players, and Reijnders is no exception. His role within the midfield three—whether he’s deployed as a box-to-box player, deep-lying pivot, or even a more advanced attacker—will be a key factor in assessing his long-term FPL value.

However, there are encouraging signs already. During the FIFA Club World Cup, Reijnders was trusted with substantial game time. He started 3 out of City’s 4 matches in the competition, and the only match he missed was the 6-0 rout of Al Ain, where he remained an unused substitute—a rest that arguably points to his growing importance in Guardiola’s plans. While it’s still early days, this usage suggests that Pep sees him as more than just a rotational player.

If Reijnders cements a regular spot in the starting XI, he could become the standout budget midfielder of the 2024/25 FPL season. Combining attacking returns with potential new defensive contribution points, he might offer the perfect blend of reliability and value. With City’s attacking firepower and a favourable run of fixtures in the opening weeks, this £5.5m pick could punch well above his price tag.

For now, keep a close eye on pre-season lineups, tactical setups, and early Premier League matches. If Reijnders becomes a mainstay in that midfield engine room, you may just have found your budget enabler with a high ceiling—hidden in plain sight under the blue moon of Manchester.

He also scored a brace after coming in for the 2nd half against Palermo in Man City’s last friendly ahead of GW1.

Reijnders: “In the Club World Cup, I played three roles in the midfield and I want to be a midfielder who can play in all of those roles. I want to play where the manager wants to me play, I will play and I will do my best of course…”

Further Read: Best FPL Budget Forwards (£4.5 – £6.0 Million) | 25/26 FPL Season

Jhon Arias (£5.5m) – MID, Wolves – 1.0% TSB

Wolverhampton Wanderers didn’t just hand Jhon Arias the number 10 jersey—they handed him the creative keys to their midfield engine. The Colombian arrives at Molineux with expectations riding high, tasked with stepping into the influential boots of Matheus Cunha, who went from a low-key signing to a dynamic force in the Premier League.

At just £5.5m, Arias could be one of the most entertaining budget options in this season’s FPL. His flair was on full display at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, where he stunned audiences with a sensational free-kick goal against Ulsan Hyundai in the group stage. But it wasn’t just a moment of magic—Arias was the most creative player at the tournament, leading in chance creation and earning a well-deserved spot in FIFA’s Team of the Tournament, while also propelling Fluminense to the semifinals.

Importantly, his Club World Cup heroics weren’t an anomaly. Arias’ time at Fluminense was consistently productive—47 goals and 55 assists across 230 appearances highlight just how influential he was. But his contributions went beyond goal involvements. He played between the lines with intelligence, linked up effortlessly with teammates, and often delivered when it mattered most.

A football field with red and yellow spots

AI-generated content may be incorrect.

Jhon Arias’ heatmap in this year’s Brazilian league. Source: SofaScore.

Now in the Premier League, Arias brings a similar mix of vision, creativity, positional awareness, and relentless energy. With Wolves looking to reestablish their attacking rhythm post-Cunha, Arias is expected to slot into the starting XI from the outset, becoming a central figure in their forward play.

All signs point to a player ready to make the leap—and for FPL managers, Jhon Arias might just be the hidden gem who adds both style and substance to your squad. He also scored a goal in his Wolves debut vs Girona, Wolves however, went on to lose 2-1. He also started in their last friendly against Celta Vigo, Wolves lost the game 1-0.

A word of caution: it might be wise to wait and watch how Arias settles into his new environment, especially with Wolves facing a challenging run of fixtures in the opening four Gameweeks.

Further Read: FPL Players To Avoid in Your GW1 Drafts | 2025/26 FPL Season

Ryan Sessegnon (£5.5m) – MID, Fulham – 0.2% TSB

Do note: Sessegnon was subbed off with an injury in their last friendly against Frankfurt.

Marco Silva on Ryan Sessegnon (post game): “He felt something. Let’s see in the next few hours or few days how he reacts. We’ll do some exams on him. Let’s hope that he can be ready for the beginning of the season.”

Looking for that one left-field pick who could absolutely blow the budget midfielder category wide open this season? Enter: Ryan Sessegnon.

Yes, you read that right. The once-hyped wonderkid might just be gearing up for his redemption arc—and FPL managers willing to take an early punt could be handsomely rewarded.

Sessegnon, priced at a modest £5.5m, is the definition of an ultra-differential gem—a player flying way under the radar, but carrying serious explosive potential. And while his minutes last season were limited, the moment he was handed a run of games, he turned heads and, more importantly, delivered points.

Among all midfielders priced at £6.0m or less with a minimum of 5 starts, Sessegnon ranked:

1st for total FPL points per start
1st for Bonus Points per start
1st for Goals Scored per start
2nd for Goal Involvements per start
2nd for expected points (xPts) per start

That’s not just decent—that’s dominant. The man didn’t just sneak onto leaderboards; he practically owned them in his price bracket.

What makes this even more exciting is the type of player Sessegnon is—blessed with pace, a keen eye for goal, and the ability to ghost into dangerous positions at just the right moment. He’s the kind of player who can turn a quiet game into a double-digit FPL haul with a single run or clever finish.

Yes, there are risks—it’s still unclear how consistently he’ll start. But that’s exactly what makes him a perfect Gameweek 1 differential. With ownership expected to be in the decimals, one early haul could send your team skyrocketing up the mini-league standings while others scramble to catch up.

So if you’re the kind of manager who loves to get ahead of the curve, who enjoys that “I told you so” pick when everyone else is busy playing safe—Ryan Sessegnon might just be your golden ticket. Keep your eyes on him. Because this budget baller might be about to explode.

Further Read: Best FPL Goalkeepers to Target For The 2025/26 FPL Season

Dwight McNeil (£6.0m) – MID, Everton – 1.2% TSB

When it comes to value picks in the midfield bracket, Dwight McNeil stands out as a name that deserves serious consideration. Priced at £6.0m, he quietly put together a very impressive campaign last season—one that flew under the radar for many FPL managers.

Let’s talk numbers. Among all midfielders priced at £6.0m or less, no one had a higher points-per-match average than McNeil’s 4.4. But that’s just the surface. If we dig deeper into points per start, McNeil’s impact becomes even more evident—he registered a remarkable 5.40 points per start, the best in his price category (among players with at least 10 starts).

For some perspective, compare that to Omar Marmoush, another popular budget option who had a similar number of starts (14 compared to McNeil’s 15). Marmoush, while highly regarded, averaged 5.07 points per start, which still falls short of McNeil’s output.

But McNeil’s influence wasn’t just in terms of FPL points. His creativity was a consistent asset for Everton—he topped the expected assists (xA) per start metric among midfielders priced at £6.0m or lower, with a figure of 0.28 xA per start. That stat underlines his ability to consistently create high-quality chances, even in an Everton side that struggled for goals at times.

Looking ahead, Everton’s fixture list in the opening weeks is reasonably kind, making McNeil an even more appealing prospect for those looking to extract maximum value from their midfield budget. He may not carry the flashy reputation of some of his peers, but his underlying stats tell the story of a reliable, effective, and underrated FPL asset.

If you’re building a squad that balances premium assets with smart enablers, McNeil should absolutely be on your Budget FPL Midfielders watchlist. The latest update is the Everton have signed Dewsbury Hall from Chelsea who started and impressed in the final pre-season game(McNeil didn’t start). Everton are also close to completing the loan signing of Grealish. So it will be Ndiaye, Dewsbury Hall, McNeil, Grealish, Alcaraz fighting for 3 positions behind the striker. Watchout for few Gameweeks before hopping on to McNeil.

Further Read: Best £4.5 Million FPL Defenders for the 2025/26 FPL Season

Budget FPL Midfielders with good pre-season form:

The pre-season Bandwagon with two goals and 3 assists. Villa have excellent fixtures too. Good underlying data last season, but with only 300 minutes – 0.9 xGI/90 & 0.91 Goal Involvement/90. He was expected to start the season at RW with Rashford & Asensio not returning, but Villa have signed Nice forward Evann Guessand. Last season, Guessand majorly played RW, which is where Maalen operates so Maalen’s spot in the starting 11 is not guaranteed

Harry Wilson (£5.5 MID)

Harry Wilson has scored the most goals in pre-season so far(⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽🅰️), including a free kick goal vs Nottingham Forest. At 5.5 million, Wilson offers excellent value, and Fulham are a good attacking team. However, Wilson’s fixtures are a bit tricky, and his injury record isn’t great either. Last season, he only started 16 PL games(16 in 23/24 and 13 in 22/23)

Dewsbury Hall

Dewsbury Hall has officially signed for Everton. He’s an exciting 5.0 million midfielder option, potentially, and one to watch. He played in an attacking role(Number 10) in Everton’s last friendly against Roma. He took corners, too, but McNeil was not on the pitch. created 4 chances(including 2 Big chances), and took corners in just 61 minutes. One to watch out for in the Budget Midfielders category.

Anton Stach

Leeds United’s new signing, Stach, could be a decent budget enabler, he scored a brilliant long-range goal vs AC Milan in their last friendly ahead of the new season and also took corners. Leeds were also unbeaten in pre-season.

Other Budget FPL Midfielders Options to consider:

Sunderland Budget FPL Midfielders: Adingra, Le Fee and Xhaka

Adingra has signed for Sunderland from Brighton, the young attacker impressed for Brighton last season whenever he got an opportunity and offers the highest attacking threat amongst the Sunderland midfield trio.

Xhaka has joined Sunderland ahead of their PL return, he was never a big FPL asset in the past, but could be one now with defensive action points available. Xhaka also occasionally chips in with goals and assists, so at 5.0 million, he could offer decent value. He also took a free kick and rattled the crossbar in Sunderland’s last friendly vs Augsburg.

Le Fee might not be a safer option now, as he didn’t feature in the squad along with the rest of the senior players in their penultimate friendly against Augsburg(9th August, Saturday). He instead played in the last friendly against Rayo Vallecano(10th August, Sunday) with other fringe players. Xhaka, Diarra and Sadiki looks to be the first choice midfield 3 now with Enzo fighting with Sadiki for that slot.

Le Bris on Le Fee: “We will have 2 or 3 players like Enzo(Le Fee)- really close to the starting 11 but at the same time, we have to make a choice because we can only play with 11 players. We need to build starters and finishers. Our midfielders will have opportunity & thats clear”

Further Read: Best FPL Budget Enablers For The 2025-26 FPL Season

Brighton Budget FPL Midfielders: Baleba, Rutter, and Minteh

Brighton also have a trio of options, Baleba at 5.0 Mil is the safest of the trio, and he averaged 12.67 CBIRT/90, 0.97 defensive action points/start, and would have had 30 defensive action points from 31 starts last season. He’s only an option from a defensive action points perspective and offers little attacking potential. Do note: Baleba missed the last four pre-season matches due to injury, but he’s expected to be ready for GW1. He’s also linked with a move to Man United.

Minteh is expected to have a strong season this time after having a good start to his Brighton career last season. The Seagulls attacker picked up 11 goal contributions(6 goals, 5 assists) last season from an xGI of 9.12 in just 20 starts. Adingra’s departure improves Minteh’s xMins too. In their 2nd last pre-season game against Southampton, Minteh scored two goals, with Rutter assisting the first goal.

Rutter is expected to play a key role for Brighton this season, with João Pedro leaving the club. The German attacker also had 11 goal contributions(5 goals, 6 assists) in 19 starts last season. Fabian Hürzeler was big on rotation last season, especially in attack, so that could continue this season, have Rutter & Minteh in your Budget FPL Midfielders watchlist and look for updates from pre-season games. He also scored in their last friendly vs Wolfsburg.

Fabian Hürzeler was asked about the competition at CF (Welbeck vs Georginio Rutter): “No. It is not a decision between him and Danny. They played last season together. [Georginio] is always an option. He is very playable in this position.” –

Further Read: Best FPL Goalkeepers to Target For The 2025/26 FPL Season

Ryan Christie

Another FPL option, mainly due to defensive action points, Christie could be a decent option at just 5.0 million. He registered 13.77 CBRIT/90, 0.96 defensive action points per start, and would have had 26 defensive action points from 27 starts. Lewis Cook is set to miss the start of the season due to an injury, which makes Christie a guaranteed starter. However, he often gets himself booked. Last season, he picked up 9 yellow cards from just 27 starts. He has also missed Bournemouth’s entire pre-season due to injury so he’s an avoid for now.

Christie update: Ryan Christie is due back in training on Monday(11th August) – he should train this week but Iraola isn’t sure if they’ll be ready for Friday

Further reads from ALLABOUTFPL ahead of FPL GW1 of the 2025/26 FPL Season

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Best Budget FPL Midfielders for the 2025/26 FPL Season