Bukayo Saka enters the 2026/27 Fantasy Premier League season with a £9.5m price tag, down from the £10.0m he carried during the 2025/26 campaign. At first glance, that reduction makes him look like an attractive premium option, especially considering his reputation as one of Arsenal's biggest stars. But it also raises an important question: Is Saka now a bargain, or is he still overpriced based on his recent output?
For FPL managers, this is one of the biggest dilemmas ahead of the new season.
Bukayo Saka's FPL Numbers Have Been Declining
One of the biggest concerns surrounding Saka is that his attacking returns have steadily declined over the past three Premier League seasons.
2023/24
Appearances: 35
Goals: 16
Assists: 9
2024/25
Appearances (Sub): 25 (5)
Goals: 6
Assists: 10
2025/26
Appearances (Sub): 31 (6)
Goals: 7
Assists: 5
Normally, players entering their peak years show consistent improvement in goal contributions. Instead, Saka's numbers have moved in the opposite direction. His combined goals and assists have fallen with each passing campaign, making it increasingly difficult to justify a premium FPL price.
While his £9.5m valuation is cheaper than last season, managers must ask whether it truly reflects value when compared to other midfield options capable of producing bigger attacking returns.
Injuries Tell Only Part of the Story
It would be unfair to ignore the injury problems that disrupted Saka over the last year. Fitness issues prevented him from building rhythm and consistency, naturally affecting both his minutes and production.
However, the decline cannot be explained by injuries alone.
Even when fully fit, Saka often looked like a shadow of the player who had previously established himself among the Premier League's elite attackers. Rather than aggressively taking on defenders, driving into dangerous areas, and producing the spectacular passes or curling finishes fans had become accustomed to, he frequently played a far more conservative game.
Too often he held onto possession for longer, recycled the ball, or chose the safer option instead of attacking defenders one-on-one. The confidence and freedom that once defined his performances simply weren't as visible during much of the last three seasons.
Arsenal's Tactical Shift Has Reduced His Output
A major reason behind this decline is Arsenal's tactical evolution under Mikel Arteta.
The Gunners have gradually become one of the league's strongest defensive sides, prioritising control, structure, and game management over the free-flowing attacking football seen earlier in Arteta's tenure.
This hasn't made Saka a worse footballer, far from it. His overall quality remains undeniable.
Instead, his role has changed.
He's now often asked to maintain width, protect possession, and contribute more heavily to Arsenal's defensive shape rather than constantly attacking full-backs. As a result, his playing style has become less explosive, and that has had a direct impact on his fantasy returns.
When combined with recurring injury setbacks, it's easy to understand why his goals and assists have steadily declined despite still being one of Arsenal's most important players.
Is £9.5m Good Value?
The reduced price certainly makes Saka more tempting than last season, but it doesn't automatically make him an essential pick.
At £9.5m, managers are paying for the possibility that the old Saka returns rather than the player we've consistently seen over the last two campaigns. That creates considerable risk, particularly when there are similarly priced midfielders with stronger recent attacking numbers.
There are also selection concerns if injuries continue. Arsenal now possess greater depth, and Noni Madueke could take on a larger role if Saka struggles for fitness again. Increased competition for minutes is never ideal for an expensive FPL asset.
Final Verdict: High Risk, High Reward
Bukayo Saka should currently be viewed as a genuine FPL punt.
His £9.5m price could prove to be outstanding value if Arsenal rediscover a more attack-minded style under Arteta and Saka returns to playing with the confidence, directness, and creativity that made him one of the league's most explosive fantasy midfielders.
There was already a reminder of that world-class ability during his final England appearance against France, where he produced a stunning hat-trick that showcased exactly what he remains capable of when playing with freedom and confidence.
On the other hand, if Arsenal continue their more conservative tactical approach and injuries remain an issue, Saka could once again struggle to justify his premium price tag, with Madueke waiting to capitalise on any prolonged absence.
For now, Saka isn't a safe FPL selection, but he may just be one of the biggest boom-or-bust picks heading into the 2026/27 Fantasy Premier League season.
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