As the highly anticipated 2025/26 Fantasy Premier League (FPL) season rapidly approaches, managers worldwide are meticulously preparing their strategies. A significant announcement has emerged from the FPL camp, destined to send ripples through team selections: a total of eleven players have undergone positional reclassification. This isn`t merely a clerical update; it`s a fundamental shift that could either unlock unprecedented value or, conversely, diminish the appeal of previously reliable assets.
FPL`s appeal lies in its dynamic nature, constantly evolving to reflect the real-world nuances of Premier League football. These reclassifications are a prime example, forcing managers to re-evaluate player roles, potential points returns, and ultimately, their budget allocation. It’s FPL`s delightful habit of shaking things up, just when you thought you had a handle on things.
The Midfield Boost: Forwards Embracing New Roles
Perhaps the most impactful changes involve players moving from forward to midfield. This shift is particularly lucrative in FPL, as midfielders are awarded an additional point per goal (5 points instead of 4 for forwards) and are also eligible for clean sheet points (1 point) – a bonus never afforded to their attacking counterparts. The standout name in this category is **Matheus Cunha**.
After a stellar season where he netted 15 Premier League goals, culminating in a significant £62.5 million transfer from Wolves to Manchester United, Cunha’s reclassification from forward to midfielder is a game-changer. His goal-scoring prowess, combined with the new points allocation, positions him as a potentially elite FPL asset. Expect his ownership percentage to soar.
Similarly, Liverpool`s **Cody Gakpo** and Manchester City`s **Omar Marmoush** have also been reclassified from forwards to midfielders. Marmoush, who scored seven times in 16 league appearances for City after his January arrival from Eintracht Frankfurt, now presents a more compelling FPL prospect. These players, already known for their attacking contributions, suddenly offer enhanced scoring potential within the FPL framework.
The Forward Challenge: Midfielders Moving Up
Conversely, some fan favourites have moved in the opposite direction, transitioning from midfield to forward. While they retain their goal-scoring potential, the altered points structure may reduce their overall FPL appeal. The most prominent example here is West Ham captain, **Jarrod Bowen**.
Bowen has been a consistent fantasy favourite in recent seasons, delivering impressive goal and assist returns from his wide midfield role. However, as a forward, his goals will now yield one fewer point, and he will no longer benefit from clean sheet points. This change necessitates a careful reconsideration of his value, as managers seek to maximize every point from their limited budget.
The Defensive Enigma: Midfielders Dropping Back
An intriguing development sees a couple of players reclassified from midfielders to defenders. While this might initially sound less exciting, these players can become valuable “out-of-position” assets if they maintain any attacking threat. Defenders are highly prized in FPL for their clean sheet potential and the higher points awarded for goals and assists compared to midfielders or forwards.
- **Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal)**
- **Keane Lewis-Potter (Brentford)**
Should these players secure regular starting berths and contribute occasionally to attacks, their defensive classification coupled with unexpected offensive returns could make them budget-friendly differential picks for shrewd managers. It`s the classic FPL conundrum: is the potential clean sheet value worth the potential sacrifice in attacking output?
Strategic Implications for FPL Managers
These position changes are more than just statistical curiosities; they are foundational shifts that demand a recalibration of FPL strategy. Managers must now:
- **Re-evaluate Player Valuations:** A player’s reclassification directly impacts their true FPL value, independent of their initial price.
- **Optimize Squad Balance:** The new landscape might encourage different formations or a renewed focus on specific positional categories.
- **Identify “Sleepers” and “Traps”:** Players like Cunha become immediate high-priority targets, while others, despite their real-world quality, might become less efficient FPL assets.
- **Anticipate Price Changes:** High-performing reclassified players are likely to see their prices rise quickly, making early transfers crucial.
As the 2025/26 FPL season looms, these reclassifications serve as a vital reminder: adaptation is key. FPL managers, ever the optimists, will undoubtedly view these changes not as hurdles, but as new opportunities to outmaneuver their mini-league rivals. The game is afoot, and the strategic battle lines are already being drawn.
