Full Breakdown
Impact of the Africa Cup of Nations on Premier League and Fantasy Football
11/18/2025, 7:47:41 PM
Overview of AFCON 2025
The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 is set to take place in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026. This tournament will significantly impact the Premier League, as up to 17 clubs are expected to lose key players during this period. Clubs will need to release their players, although the exact dates for these releases remain unconfirmed. Players could miss up to six or seven Premier League matches, including FA Cup and Carabao Cup games, depending on how far their national teams progress in the tournament.
Key Players Affected
Several prominent players will be departing for AFCON, including Mohamed Salah from Liverpool, Bryan Mbeumo from Manchester United, and Ismaila Sarr from Crystal Palace. Salah, despite being Liverpool's best attacker, has underperformed relative to his premium cost this season, accumulating only 54 points. Mbeumo, however, has been a standout performer, scoring four goals in the last four Gameweeks and is currently the most-bought player in Gameweek 12.
Players Leaving for AFCON
A comprehensive list of players expected to participate includes:
- Brentford: Dango Ouattara (Burkina Faso)
- Crystal Palace: Ismaila Sarr (Senegal)
- Liverpool: Mohamed Salah (Egypt)
- Manchester United: Bryan Mbeumo (Cameroon)
- Everton: Iliman Ndiaye (Senegal)
This list highlights the potential impact on Fantasy Premier League (FPL) teams, as managers will need to adjust their squads accordingly.
Fantasy Premier League Adjustments
FPL managers will receive up to five extra free transfers to navigate the AFCON period effectively. This adjustment allows for strategic planning, enabling managers to replace departing players without incurring significant penalties. The extra transfers will be available immediately after the Gameweek 15 deadline, providing flexibility for managers to react to player absences.
Transfer Strategy
To maximize the benefit of these extra transfers, managers are advised to use all available transfers before Gameweek 16. This strategy will allow them to capitalize on the additional transfers without losing value on players who may leave for AFCON. Managers should also pay attention to fixture difficulties and potential player rotations to optimize their squads.
Criticism & Opposition
While the extra transfers provide some relief, critics argue that the AFCON window still poses significant challenges. Some managers may struggle to find suitable replacements for high-performing players, and the timing of player departures can complicate transfer strategies. Additionally, the need for careful planning to avoid wasting transfers remains a concern.
Conclusion
The upcoming AFCON 2025 presents both challenges and opportunities for Premier League clubs and Fantasy Premier League managers. With key players set to depart and the provision of extra transfers, strategic planning will be crucial in navigating this period effectively. Managers must remain vigilant about player performances and fixture schedules to mitigate the impact of player absences during the tournament.
