Fantasy Football: Managers given five free transfers – and this is how to use them

There is good news going into Gameweek 16 of the Premier League season, with Fantasy Football managers being given five free transfers to use.

This is being done due to this season’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which begins on 21 December and involves players from 24 African countries.

The tournament covers Gameweeks 17-22 of the Premier League season and finishes on 18 January 2026.

With Premier League players departing for AFCON and there being the possibility of some players leaving early for the tournament ahead of the Gameweek 16 fixtures, managers have now been given five transfers to use.

This will allow managers to react if members of their squad depart. And there are key players departing, with Manchester United’s Amad and Bryan Mbeumo heading off, as well as Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye.

Liverpool’s Mohammed Salah will also be heading to AFCON, as well as Crystal Palace’s Ismaila Sarr, Nottingham Forest’s Ola Aina and Brentford’s Dango Ouattara.

What else can transfers be used for

While these transfers can help replace key players, they could also be used to replace players not showing good form from a Fantasy Football perspective.

For example, following a strong start to the season, Antoine Semenyo has failed to produce an attacking return in each of the last seven Gameweeks.

Meanwhile, according to Fantasy Football, Joao Pedro and Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta both rank among the four most-owned forwards. 

However, Joao Pedro has two goals over the last 11 Gameweeks, while Mateta has scored twice in his last seven.

The transfers can also be used to to help with injuries. For example, Daniel Munoz has become a key choice for managers, but has been ruled out “for a few weeks”.

So, there are plenty of opportunities for managers this Gameweek. Make sure to make your moves ahead of the deadline, which is 1:30pm on 13 December.