We are here with our FPL expert's opinion on the most expensive midfielders in the game ahead of the 2026-27 season. Selecting premium midfielders is often the biggest decision every Fantasy Premier League (FPL) manager faces. The 2026/27 season has introduced some fascinating price points, with proven stars, injury concerns, and emerging elite performers all competing for a place in managers' squads.
Here's an expert assessment of the four most expensive midfielders in FPL and whether they justify their hefty price tags.
1. Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United, £12.0M)
Bruno Fernandes' massive price increase comes as little surprise after an extraordinary campaign that saw him break the all-time Premier League assist record with 21 assists. The Manchester United captain was once again the creative heartbeat of his side, producing elite numbers throughout the league season.
However, £12.0M is a significant investment, and there are reasons for caution. Michael Carrick's side will now have UEFA Champions League football to contend with, meaning increased fixture congestion and potential rotation across competitions. United's summer transfer business has also been respectable rather than transformative, leaving some uncertainty over whether the team can provide Bruno with even better attacking support.
There are also individual concerns. Fernandes endured a disappointing World Cup and will turn 32 in a few months, raising questions about whether he can consistently reproduce last season's remarkable output.
At present, Bruno remains an elite FPL asset, but whether he represents value at £12.0M is far from certain.
2. Cole Palmer (Chelsea, £9.5M)
Cole Palmer could easily become the biggest bargain among the premium midfielders if everything falls into place.
The arrival of Xabi Alonso offers Chelsea supporters renewed optimism, and if Palmer can rediscover the world-class form he displayed under Mauricio Pochettino, he has the potential to become one of the best value picks in Fantasy Premier League. During that outstanding spell, Palmer almost single-handedly won matches for Chelsea while producing elite goals and assists numbers.
The concern is that he has looked a shadow of that player since then. Injuries have repeatedly disrupted his momentum, preventing him from reaching the incredible heights he once showed.
Ultimately, Palmer's FPL value depends on three key factors, his fitness, availability, and ability to regain top form. If those boxes are ticked, £9.5M could look like an absolute bargain by the end of the season.
3. Bukayo Saka (Arsenal, £9.5M)
Bukayo Saka finds himself in a similar position to Palmer. The Arsenal winger has not looked like the explosive attacker who spearheaded Arsenal's previous title challenges.
While Arsenal finally lifted the Premier League trophy, their tactical evolution into a more defensively disciplined side has changed Saka's role considerably. Instead of constantly driving at defenders and taking risks in the final third, he has become a far more controlled, possession-oriented player.
Injury issues also affected his campaign, contributing to relatively underwhelming attacking returns compared to previous seasons.
Whether Saka is worth £9.5M depends entirely on which version of him appears this season. If he returns to being Arsenal's primary attacking outlet, he'll justify the price. If last season's cautious role continues, managers may find better value elsewhere.
5. Antoine Semenyo (Manchester City, £8.5M)
Among the premium midfielders, Antoine Semenyo arguably stands out as the best value option in the game.
After an exceptional season split between Bournemouth and Manchester City, Semenyo established himself as one of the Premier League's standout performers. His attacking numbers were outstanding, while his consistency, availability, and influence made him one of the safest Fantasy assets throughout the campaign.
Even if Palmer and Saka return to their previous best, Semenyo possesses the ability to match, or even outperform, them over the course of a season.
At £8.5M, he offers premium-quality returns for significantly less than the other elite midfielders. That combination of affordability, reliability, and explosive potential arguably makes him the safest premium midfield selection heading into the 2026/27 FPL season.
