The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is set to cause significant disruption for Fantasy Premier League managers, with over 50 Premier League players expected to depart for the tournament in Morocco. Running from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, the competition will impact crucial Gameweeks during the festive period. The tournament covers Gameweeks 17-22, though players may leave as early as Gameweek 16 depending on when national teams require their squads to report. To help managers navigate this challenge, FPL is providing a special transfer boost up to five free transfers in Gameweek 16. To maximize this benefit, managers should use all free transfers by the end of Gameweek 15, allowing them to enter Gameweek 16 with the full allocation of five transfers.
Here are the players that will depart sorted by club, based on qualified nations:
| Club | Players Expected to Depart | FPL Position |
| Liverpool | Mohamed Salah | Midfielder |
| Manchester United | Bryan Mbeumo, Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo | Mid/Def/Mid |
| Tottenham | Yves Bissouma, Pape Matar Sarr | Midfielder |
| Manchester City | Omar Marmoush, Rayan Ait-Nouri | Mid/Def |
| Crystal Palace | Ismaila Sarr, Cheick Doucoure, Chadi Riad | Mid/Mid/Def |
| Everton | Iliman Ndiaye, Idrissa Gueye | Forward/Mid |
| Fulham | Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, Samuel Chukwueze | Mid/Def/Mid |
| Nottingham Forest | Ibrahim Sangare, Taiwo Awoniyi, Ola Aina, Willy Boly | Mid/Fwd/Def |
| Brentford | Dango Ouattara, Frank Onyeka | Mid/Mid |
| Aston Villa | Evann Guessand | Midfielder |
| Bournemouth | Amine Adli | Midfielder |
| Brighton | Carlos Baleba | Midfielder |
| Newcastle United | Noah Sadiki, Simon Adingra, Chemsdine Talbi , Reinildo Mandava, Ahmed Abdullahi , Habib Diarra, Arthur Masuaku, Blondy Nna Noukeu, Bertrand Traore | Mid/Mid/Mid/Def/Fwd/Mid/Def/GK/Mid |
| Burnley | Axel Tuanzebe, Lyle Foster Hannibal Mejbri | Def/Fwd/Mid |
The biggest concern for FPL managers will be the loss of high value, highly owned assets. Transfer plans should revolve around finding suitable replacements for these crucial players. Mohamed Salah, the premium asset’s absence is a notable one however, many teams have switched to Haaland after Salah’s recent run of form. Maybe he finds his feet at Afcon and regains his form from last season. Bryan Mbeumo another strong performing midfielder, Mbeumo’s departure will leave a significant hole in his side’s attack and in the mid priced midfielder bracket of FPL teams. Ismaila Sarr, a key offensive player for the Eagles, Sarr’s pace and goal threat will be missed during a busy period. Luckily for FPL managers the highest scoring midfielder Semenyo and Spurs talisman Kudus will not be travelling for AFCON due to Ghana not qualifying for the tournament. Sunderland are among the hardest hit, potentially losing a large number of squad players to AFCON, seriously testing their depth.
AFCON 2025 presents both challenges and opportunities for FPL managers. The five free transfer boost provides the tools to adapt. Teams like Arsenal and Newcastle stand to benefit significantly from having full strength squads during this crucial period, while Liverpool, Manchester City, and several mid-table clubs must navigate significant absences. The tournament could prove decisive in the FPL season, with managers who plan effectively gaining a significant advantage. Start planning now, monitor departure dates closely, and be ready to pounce on the transfer opportunities when Gameweek 16 arrives.
