When it comes to identifying breakout players in FPL, it’s not always easy to spot the clear signs. Managers often find themselves uncertain about whether to sign a performing player or not.
Unknown players like Mahrez, Kane, Lundstram, Michu, and Dele Alli have emerged out of nowhere and delivered outstanding performances in their first full season in the Premier League.
Initially, their performances may seem like lucky flukes, and by the time you consider transferring them into your team, they have already become popular choices among more than 50% of managers, resulting in increased FPL prices.
So, how can you avoid missing out on these breakout players?
The key is to analyze the data. There are different types of breakout players. Some show consistent improvement season by season, while others may have had a rough season but have the potential to make a strong comeback.
Some players steadily progress, while others experience a temporary decline before bouncing back.
The good news is that there are always multiple breakout players each season. Some may require your intuition to spot them early, while others can be identified through stats and minutes.
Here are 8 potential breakout players to consider for the 2025/26 FPL season:
1. Dominic Solanke (Tottenham Hotspur) – £7.5m
This will be Solanke’s second season at Spurs, and he’s coming off a mixed campaign where he scored 9 goals and provided 5 assists.
While those numbers may not jump off the page, it’s important to note he missed around one-third of the minutes he played at Bournemouth in 2023/24 — most of that due to injury.
In his final season at Bournemouth, he delivered a massive 19 goals, proving he can be clinical with consistent minutes.
Now fit again and entering his second year in a more settled Spurs system, Solanke could explode at just £7.5m. He offers great value as a reliable forward, especially for managers looking to move away from premium-heavy frontline setups.
2. Jeremie Frimpong (Liverpool) – £5.5m
Now under Arne Slot, Liverpool is expected to adopt a more fluid and aggressive system, which could suit Jeremie Frimpong perfectly.
The former Leverkusen man thrives when given space to bomb forward, often operating like a winger in possession.
Listed as a defender in FPL but often playing high up the pitch, Frimpong could be a major differential this season. At £5.5m, he’s a high-upside option with explosive point potential, especially if he nails down a starting role quickly in this new-look Liverpool team.
3. João Pedro (Chelsea) – £6.5m
After a successful spell at Brighton, João Pedro has made a move to Chelsea. Still priced fairly at £6.5m, he could thrive if handed regular starts.
A creative and goal-scoring threat, Pedro could quietly become a go-to budget midfielder if he locks down a role under Maresca.
4. Aaron Wan-Bissaka (West Ham United) – £4.5m
Wan-Bissaka’s transfer to West Ham might not excite everyone, but new FPL rules favor players who make tackles, blocks, and recoveries — all of which are his specialties.
At just £4.5m, he might not get many assists, but he could earn steady baseline bonus points with clean sheets and defensive stats.
5. Mohammed Kudus (Tottenham Hotspur) – £6.5m
Kudus had a slightly quieter 2024/25 (5 goals, 4 assists) compared to the season before, but he’s now at Spurs, where he’ll have more freedom and better attacking support.
He’s an explosive dribbler and a goal threat, and at £6.5m, a perfect mid-priced midfielder with big potential.
6. Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United) – £5.5m
Mainoo is expected to play a bigger role in Man United’s midfield this season. While not explosive, he offers strong value as a budget midfielder.
He could deliver consistent 2–5 point hauls, and with new bonus point rules rewarding control and passing, he might surprise us.
7. Casemiro (Manchester United) – £5.0m
Casemiro isn’t a typical FPL pick, but new FPL rules could work in his favor. Tackles, clearances, and interceptions now count more toward bonus points. At £5.0m, if he stays fit and starts regularly, he might become a secret gem for those hunting reliable 6-point performances.
8. Gomes Betuncal (Everton) – £5.5m
He only played 1,521 minutes last season but still managed 8 goals and 2 assists. With more minutes expected this time around, Gomes is a low-ownership differential worth keeping an eye on. He has physicality, finishing ability, and a nailed role in Everton’s attack.
Final Thoughts:
When a young player improves his stats season by season, it’s easier to predict a breakout. Or when a player returns from injury or switches clubs, there are signs of potential revival.
Use logic, stats, and team structure to judge whether a player is worth transferring in — not just bandwagons.
We’ll keep this list updated as the season progresses. Often, the best breakout players are the ones who surprise us all — and spotting them early is what makes a great FPL manager.
Stay alert, adapt fast, and don’t be afraid to move early or move on.