In this post we’ll be discussing the Best £4.5 Million FPL Defenders for the 2026/27 FPL Season. It’s that time again! With pre-season underway and the new campaign just around the corner, it’s time to take a look at the best £4.5 million FPL Defenders on the market for FPL managers. Having assessed the best options in the premium price bracket, the £5.5-£5.0m price bracket, and the budget 4.0m price bracket, it is now time to delve deep into the depths of the 4.5m defenders, the largest, most competitive and most interesting price point…
Read, re-read, and read again. This is a piece you’ll surely come back to, as a good 4.5m defender is priceless! Let’s take a look at the Best £4.5 million FPL Defenders to target in FPL GW1.
This is the fourth and final part of our Defenders series. In case you missed it, don’t forget to check out:
Best £4.0 Million FPL Defenders for the 2026/27 FPL Season
Best £5.0-5.5 Million FPL Defenders for the 2026/27 FPL Season
Best Premium FPL Defenders for the 2026/27 FPL Season
Best £4.5 Million FPL Defenders to Target
Shaw
Luke Shaw is currently the most popular 4.5m defender in the game sitting at around 25% ownership at time of writing. With so many other options at this price point it’s astonishing that one asset is so highly owned – but I suppose the question is… Is the FPL community right on this one?
Over the 25/26 season Luke Shaw started all 38 games for Manchester United in the league, playing over 3000 minutes and averaging over 85 minutes per match. He was nailed under both Amorim and Carrick, though his role differed under each manager, and demonstrated that, with the right conditioning and management of his minutes he can be a dependable option for the club. That being said, United had no European football and were knocked out of both domestic competitions in the first round so the need to manage minutes was limited – this season will be different, and I would be surprised if Shaw is able to either start every game and/or stay fit all season. This is something to keep in mind for the long-term but less important for our GW1 teams.
In terms of attacking output, Shaw’s potential is somewhat limited. Last season the LB provided just 1 goal and 1 assist across those 38 matches. The english defender averaged just 0.45 key passes per 90 and around 0.04xGI/90. On the DEFCON side of things Shaw continues to struggle, averaging 6.2CBIT/90 and hitting the DEFCON threshold on just 5 occasions last season.
In spite of these low season-wide numbers, there was a significant uptick in Shaw’s CBIT/90 numbers towards the end of the season, with his average jumping to over 8 CBIT/90 for the final 10 games of the season and 8 of his 10 DC points scored in this time. While Carrick arrived in mid-january (FPL GW22), it will have taken some time for Carrick to implement his tactics and communicate his philosophy, so we arguably can and should put this increase in CBIT down to the managerial change. I would expect Shaw’s CBIT/90 to be closer to 8 than 6 (per 90) going into the new season.
For many FPL managers, however, Shaw is seen as a good option for another reason – he is a nailed defender for a team that finished third last season. Manchester United managed just 10 clean sheets last season and put up the third best xGA in the league. Their failure to turn good xGA numbers into clean sheets can be put down to poor goalkeeping and luck, but the raw data is good enough – United are a solid defence.
United face Hull and Ipswich in their first two fixtures, making their players popular picks for the start of the season. If you can’t make the jump up to Maguire or Lammens then Shaw is a great, cheap way into one of the best defences in the league!
Shaw in pre-season: 300+ minutes, 6 appearances
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Rodon
Look, I’m as big a fan of Leeds’ signing Muharemovic (£5.0m) as the next guy, but with Rodon coming in 0.5m cheaper and also being a lock-in in that defensive unit, the englishman is certainly one to look at. Rodon played in 35 of Leeds’ 38 premier league games last season, more than any other CB in the squad and, as his heatmap shows, tended to play on the right hand side of the defensive trio.
Rodon’s attacking potential is low compared to Leeds’ other defensive options, though he did score 2 goals last season and took, on average, 0.55 shots per 90, principally from set piece situations (0.46 headed shots per 90). The Leeds defender ranks fairly highly for CBIT/90, averaging 8.29xCBIT/90 which is a bit higher than Maguire’s (8.13) average from last season but a bit lower than Milenkovic’s (8.37).
Rodon’s CBIT/90 Stats from Last Season:
- Clearances/90- 5.61
- Blocks/90- 0.67
- Interceptions/90- 0.88
- Tackles/90- 1.13
- CBIT/90- 8.29
Rodon scored 20 DEFCON points last season, the third most in the Leeds squad behind Bijol and Struijk (Bijol is 5.0m and Struijk has departed the club to Brighton). The central defender in the back three tends to score the highest DEFCON at leeds (last season it was mainly Bijol), and in pre-season this role has switched between Rodon and Muharemovic in the absence of Bijol who arrived to pre-season late due to his world cup commitments. With Bijol now back in contention for minutes it will be interesting to see how Farke rebuilds his defensive unit for the upcoming season.
Leeds underperformed their underlying numbers significantly last season and should have been nowhere near the relegation zone (according to xPTS). Leeds conceded the 7th fewest expected goals against last season, and were let down by the goalkeeper who didn’t overperform in this department as much as other goalkeepers in the league. The arrival of an elite goalkeeper in Trafford from Manchester City will sure up the backline even more and I wouldn’t be surprised to see Leeds excel this season, particularly in the defensive department.
The opening run of games for Leeds is mixed. Farke’s side play Forest (a), Brentford (h), Brighton (a), Newcastle (h) and Palace (h) in their first five, playing three teams with new managers! That run includes 0 teams from last seasons top 6, only two from last seasons top 10 (Brighton and Brentford) and three fixtures against teams that finished in the bottom half of the league. It’s not a bad run of games and, should Leeds hit the ground running, there is a lot of value to be had in this Leeds team from an FPL perspective.
Rodon in Pre-Season: 6 Appearances, 400+ Minutes and 2 Assists
While Muharemovic is arguably a better pick, due to his DEFCON and attacking potential, Rodon offers a cheap route into a Leeds’ backline which put up the 7th best xGA last season and has been reinforced by summer signings in both the defensive and goalkeeping department.
Further Read: FPL Chip Strategy Guide- Best Windows to Play Free Hit, Wildcard, Triple Captain and Bench Boost
Robertson
If you’re looking for a cheap, nailed defender with a bit more attacking potential than the other options on this list then Robertson could the player for you! Robbo joined Spurs this summer on a free from liverpool and looks set to be a starting option for De Zerbi at left back – he was even picked as captain for Spurs in a pre-season freindly! While Udogie offers stiff competition for the scotsman in that position I can hardly see Robbo settling as a bench option considering he left Liverpool in search of more game time. De Zerbi will likely rotate the two based when necessary, but I would think that Robbo goes into the season as first choice.
Robertson ranks low for CBIT/90, picking up less than 5CBIT/90 for Liverpool last season. It is surely the attacking potential of the flying scotsman that will appeal to so many rather than his DEFCON, but how does this compare to other 4.5m defensive options? Villa’s fullbacks are by far best options when it comes to attacking numbers, with Digne providing 7 assists and Cash scoring 3 goals over the course of last season, while Robbo scored just 1 goal all season. Surely we should look further than just last season though – and while it’s admittedly been a long time since Robertson provided 10+ goal involvements for Liverpool across a season, the potential and quality is surely still there in at least some quantity.
If Robbo does start at left back (if he doesn’t Udogie is also priced at 4.5m), then he will likely be pushing high up the pitch in order to support Spurs’ attacking play. If we take a look at this average position map from Brighton’s 4-1 victory over Luton during the 23/24 season when De Zerbi was in charge, it is evident how high, wide and involved Brighton’s fullbacks are in this game (Estupinan (30) and Milner (7)).
The fullbacks occupy the second line in possession, just behind a front 4 of attackers (usually the front three plus a midfielder). In De Zerbi’s 23/24 season with Brighton the first-choice left back (Estupinan) provided 5 goal involvements in just 19 appearances and averaged 0.32xGI/90. Robertson will certainly be one of the most attack minded defenders in the 4.5m price bracket, but he will also offer a cheap way into what we hope will be a solid defensive team…
De Zerbi’s side actually kept 2 clean sheets in their final 5 games of the 25/26 season, highlighting the positive impact the new manager had on the side during his short tenure at the helm. In terms of fixtures, Spurs play just one of last season’s top 4 teams and just 2 teams that finished in last season’s top 10 during the first five gameweeks, making them a team to target for those who are confident in an uptick in form under De Zerbi.
Spurs have made a whole host of defensive signings over the summer, including Robertson, Senesi and Van Hecke, in order to shore up their leaky defense, making them a much more attractive option going into the new campaign. With improving defensive numbers and form, a whole host of signings and a pre-season of work under their belts, Spurs could be one to watch this year and Robbo looks like great value at just 4.5m.
Robertson in pre-season: 4 Appearances, 250+ Minutes
Further Read: Best FPL GW1 Drafts for the 26/27 FPL Season with Pros & Cons
Aina
There are a couple of interesting options from Forest at this price point, but Ola Aina seems to be the best option. Glasner’s back three system will allow him the freedom to play higher up the pitch and get involved in attacking play. While he is likely to be the more reserved of the two, with Williams taking on a more ‘Munoz’ style role and Aina mirroring that of Mitchell, he could still be a decent option from a fantasy perspective. In fact, Mitchell scored the most points of any 4.5m defender in FPL last season (135) in what can surely be a positive sign for prospective Aina owners.
Mitchell thrived last season in FPL due to his versatility – his 4 goal involvements make him one of the most attacking options at that low price point while his ability to score DEFCON (12 points scored from DEFCON last season) and his security of starting position in the team made him a valuable asset. Aina could certainly fulfil the same role and looks like a great, cheap way into an exciting Forest defence. That being said, there is another Forest defender who could be a gem at just 4.5m – Jair Cunha….
Glasner looks set to stick with his 3-at-the-back system that worked for him so well at Palace, meaning that Murillo and Milenkovic will have another centre back beside them this season. While some are tipping Morato to take that spot (which is presumably why he’s been priced at 5.0m) it appears as though Cunha will be starting at RCB for the tricky trees this year if pre-season is anything to go by… So far Cunha has started 4 of Forest’s 5 pre-season games, dropping out only for a match against Udinese in which Glasner picked a second-string XI (which included Morato). Cunha has otherwise been an ever-present alongside Milenkovic in pre-season, most notably starting Forest’s most recent pre-season game against Barcelona in which Glasner picked a very strong XI (see below).
All three of Palace’s starting CB’s from last season (Lacroix, Richards and Canvot) averaged extremely high CBIT/90 last season. Lacroix and Canvot averaged 10+ CBIT/90 while Richards averaged just under 10 (9.94) – this is impressive and also suggests that these high numbers are a quirk of a Glasner back 3 and may well translate into high CBIT/90 for Forest’s defensive trio. Therefore, if Cunha does start, he could quickly become an FPL essential due to his high volume of CBIT and decent clean sheet potential. The only issue is, Forest have recently spent just under £40m on a new central defender who is likely to rival Cunha for a starting spot in the team (and is likely to come in at £5.0m+ in FPL). Cunha had a great pre-season, and Diomande’s late arrival could mean that he starts the first couple, but beyond that he may well lose his spot.
Forest’s start to the season is mixed, with Glasner’s side taking on Liverpool, Tottenham and Villa either side of fixtures against Leeds and Coventry. Considering the fixture list it may be better to wait and assess the situation after this run, though these tougher fixtures will likely yield more CBIT for Forest’s centre backs, even if clean sheets are less likely – making Cunha more attractive, but Aina less for this first set of games. All things considered, Cunha is an excellent option if he starts for Glasner’s side (which is looking increasingly unlikely after Diomande signing), while Aina may be a better long term option due to his security of minutes and attacking potential.
Aina in pre-season: 300+ Minutes, 1 Assist
Other 4.5m Defenders to consider:
- Kadioglu (Brighton): Brighton put up fantastic defensive numbers towards the back-end of the season and have significantly upgraded in the CB department with new signings Struijk and Vuskovic. Kadioglu is nailed to play at fullback and is likely underpriced if we consider his attacking potential. Fixtures are not good for first 5. 2nd most points of 4.5m defenders last season.
- De Cuyper(Brighton): De Cuyper is expected to start the season at LW with both Mitoma and Minteh injured. But he might not be a long-term option as Mitoma is getting “closer”. Good punt to consider for Early Wildcarders/ GW1 Bench Boosters.
- Hume (Sunderland): Played as a winger in most of Sunderland’s pre-season fixtures so far but is classed as a 4.5m defender in FPL. 2 goals in this role in pre-season so far. First two fixtures are great but beyond that are trickier – Sunderland likely to drop off somewhat (massively over performed their underlying numbers last year). Not nailed as a winger long term but could be a punt for Sunderland’s initial fixtures.
Alderete and Mukiele are not fully fit- Once they are back Hume’s minutes could be in trouble.
Hume in Pre-Season so far: 2 Goals, 1 Assist. Played as a winger initially. Played RB in the final friendly game.
- Cash (Aston Villa): Cheap way into one of the best teams and one of the better defences in the league. Villa finished 4th and conceded the 5th fewest goals last season. Low CBIT but decent attacking numbers, mostly relying on clean sheets (therefore very fixture dependent and the first 5 are not ideal). 3rd most points of 4.5m defenders last season.
Cash in pre-season: 400+ minutes, 8 Appearances, 1 Assist
- Kayode (Brentford): Fairly attack minded fullback, 3GI last season and 10 clean sheets. Brentford have okay first 5 fixtures. Low CBIT. 4th most points of 4.5m defenders last season. NOT: Ajer could be a better pick for GW1 due to his high DEFCON – though he is only nailed until Sepp Van Den Berg returns from injury.
Kayode in pre-season: Played the final pre-season game and got an assist
Ajer in pre-season: Played the final pre-season game as a CB and is expected to start GW1 there.
Further reads from ALLABOUTFPL ahead of FPL GW1 of the 2026/27 FPL Season
FPL Basics:
2026/27 FPL Season – New Rules & Changes | What’s New in FPL?
Best & Funny FPL Team Names for 2026/27 PL Season
GW1 Articles:
FPL GW1 Scout Selection based on Stats, Fixtures and Matchups
Top FPL GW1 Differential Picks to Target Ahead of GW1 Deadline
2026/27 PL Season: Predicted GW1 Lineups of All 20 PL Teams
FPL Gameweek 1 Bench Boost Drafts- BB1 vs BB2 vs BB Later Analysis
2026/27 Pre-Season Summary of All 20 Premier League Teams
2026/27 Premier League Penalty and Set Piece Takers for all 20 Teams
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2026/27 Premier League Penalty and Set Piece Takers for all 20 Teams
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FPL Chip Strategy Guide- Best Windows to Play Free Hit, Wildcard, Triple Captain and Bench Boost
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FPL Rotational Pairs and Combinations for 2026/27 FPL Season
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2026/27 Pre-Season Summary of All 20 Premier League Teams
FPL Fixture Analysis for 2026/27 Season- Teams with Best and Worst fixtures
Five Must Own Players in GW1 for FPL 2026/27 season
AK FPL’s Final GW1 Draft & Team Reveal | 3x Top 5K Finishes
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FPL Players To Avoid in Your GW1 Drafts | 2026/27 FPL Season
Position Analysis:
GKs and Defenders Series:
Best FPL Goalkeepers to Target based on Stats and Fixtures
Best FPL Defenders at Each Price Point for the 2026/27 Season
Best £4.0 Million FPL Defenders for 2026/27 FPL Season
Best Premium Defenders for 2026/27 season based on Stats and Fixtures
Best £5.0-5.5 Million FPL Defenders for the 2026/27 FPL Season
FPL Rotational Pairs and Combinations for 2026/27 FPL Season
Best £4.5 Million FPL Defenders for the 2026/27 FPL Season
Best Value for Money Defenders and GKs for 2026/27 FPL season
Midfielders Series:
Best FPL Premium Midfielders(8.0-12.0) for 2026/27 FPL season
Best FPL Midfielders at Each Price Point for the 2026/27 Season
Best Mid-Price FPL Midfielders for the 26/27 Season | £6.5 to 7.5M
Best Budget FPL Midfielders for 26/27 Season | £4.5m to £6.0m
Best Value for Money Midfielders for 2026/27 season
Forwards Series:
Best FPL Budget Forwards (£4.5 – £6.0 Million) | 26/27 FPL Season
Best £6m Forwards Comparison for the 2026/27 FPL Season
Best FPL Premium and Mid-Priced Forwards (6.5 million and above) for 2026/27 season
Top Forwards at every price point for the 2026/27 FPL Season
If you’re new to FPL, here is a link to all our FPL Beginners Guide including FPL Beginner’s Guide- How to play?, Bench boost, Team value, Triple captain, Effective ownership, Price Changes, Free Hit, Bonus Points, and more.
Link to all our 2026/27 Pre-Season articles including all position-wise analysis, team previews, fixture analysis, position-wise analysis, and more. Completely free to access as well!
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