We are here with our selection of the top 5 best cheap strikers in FPL 26-27. Finding value forwards can make all the difference in Fantasy Premier League (FPL) 2026/27. While premium forwards often dominate the headlines, budget-friendly strikers allow managers to invest more heavily in midfield and defence without sacrificing attacking returns. This season, several forwards priced at £6.5m or below look capable of delivering excellent value based on their form, role, and potential.
Here are the five best cheap striker picks in FPL 2026/27.
5. Igor Jesus (Nottingham Forest) – £6.0m
Igor Jesus emerged as one of Nottingham Forest's biggest success stories last season. Injuries to Chris Wood handed the young Brazilian the opportunity to lead the line, and he grabbed it with both hands.
The striker finished the campaign with six goals and four assists, playing a crucial role in helping Forest secure Premier League survival. His movement, work rate, and growing confidence made him an increasingly reliable attacking outlet as the season progressed.
Having now completed his first full Premier League season, Igor Jesus enters 2026/27 with valuable experience under his belt. If he continues to develop and remains one of Forest's first-choice attackers, he could comfortably improve on last year's numbers, making him an attractive budget option for FPL managers.
4. Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Leeds United) – £6.0m
Dominic Calvert-Lewin enjoyed a career revival after joining Leeds United, finishing the 2025/26 campaign with 14 Premier League goals.
His goals proved vital in helping Leeds avoid relegation, with the experienced striker once again demonstrating his aerial dominance, physical presence and ability to score important goals in pressure situations.
Leeds will likely face another difficult battle near the bottom of the table this season, meaning Calvert-Lewin should continue to be the focal point of their attack. At just £6.0m, managers are getting a proven Premier League goalscorer who is almost guaranteed regular minutes when fit.
If he can stay injury-free, Calvert-Lewin could easily outperform his price tag.
3. Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace) – £6.5m
Jean-Philippe Mateta experienced a dramatic campaign both on and off the pitch.
A proposed move to AC Milan looked set to end his Crystal Palace career, but the transfer collapsed after concerns over his fitness. While the saga frustrated Palace supporters, Mateta responded in the best possible way.
Despite missing games through injury, the French striker finished the season strongly, ending the campaign with 12 Premier League goals. His physicality, finishing ability and proven record at this level make him one of the safest budget forwards available.
Priced at £6.5m, Mateta is slightly more expensive than others on this list, but his consistent goal threat and established Premier League pedigree could justify the extra investment.
2. Brian Brobbey (Sunderland) – £6.0m
Brian Brobbey looks like a player ready to explode this season.
The Dutch international impressed during his first Premier League campaign with Sunderland, scoring seven league goals while consistently troubling defenders with his pace, strength and direct running.
His reputation grew even further during the World Cup, where he scored three goals in four appearances for the Netherlands, showcasing his quality on the biggest stage.
Still only 24 years old, Brobbey has plenty of room for development, and another year adapting to English football could see him become one of the breakout stars of the 2026/27 campaign.
At just £6.0m, he offers huge upside for FPL managers looking for a differential with genuine goalscoring potential.
1. Danny Welbeck (Chelsea) – £6.0m
Danny Welbeck may be one of the biggest bargains in FPL this season.
Many expected the veteran striker to arrive at Chelsea as nothing more than backup for João Pedro. However, new manager Xabi Alonso has already hinted that Welbeck could have a much larger role than initially anticipated.
During pre-season, Alonso deployed Welbeck as the main striker with João Pedro operating behind him, suggesting the experienced forward could feature regularly in Chelsea's starting XI.
Despite turning 35, Welbeck continues to defy expectations. He scored 13 Premier League goals for Brighton last season, proving he still possesses the movement, intelligence and finishing ability needed to succeed at the highest level.
If Alonso continues to trust him as Chelsea's first-choice striker, £6.0m could prove to be one of the best value prices in the entire game.
Final Thoughts
Budget forwards can often be the key to building a balanced and successful Fantasy Premier League squad, and the 2026/27 season offers several exciting options below the premium price bracket.
Whether it's Danny Welbeck's promising role under Xabi Alonso, Brian Brobbey's breakout potential, Jean-Philippe Mateta's proven Premier League quality, Dominic Calvert-Lewin's goalscoring record for Leeds, or Igor Jesus' continued development at Nottingham Forest, each striker offers excellent value for managers looking to maximise every million of their FPL budget
Choosing the right budget striker could be the difference between an average season and climbing the FPL rankings early in the campaign.