The best budget midfielders to sign in FPL – including Chelsea & Brighton stars

As of July 28, 2025, Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers are always on the lookout for budget midfielders who can provide value for money while contributing significantly to their teams. This season, several players from Chelsea and Brighton & Hove Albion stand out as potential bargains. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the best budget midfielders to consider for your FPL squad, focusing on their performances, potential, and overall value.

Understanding Budget Midfielders in FPL

Budget midfielders are typically priced at £6.5 million or less in FPL. These players often serve as enablers, allowing managers to allocate funds to more expensive positions, such as forwards or premium midfielders. The key to selecting the right budget midfielder lies in identifying players who not only start regularly but also have the potential to score goals, provide assists, and earn bonus points.

Key Factors to Consider

When evaluating budget midfielders, consider the following factors:

1. Playing Time: Regular starters are essential for consistent points accumulation.
2. Form: Players in good form are more likely to contribute to their team’s success.
3. Fixture Difficulty: Analyzing upcoming fixtures can help identify favorable matchups.
4. Team Dynamics: The overall strength and style of play of the team can impact a midfielder’s performance.

Top Budget Midfielders for FPL 2025-26

1. Kaoru Mitoma (Brighton & Hove Albion)

Kaoru Mitoma has emerged as one of the standout budget midfielders in FPL. Priced at £5.5 million, he offers excellent value given his attacking prowess. Last season, Mitoma scored 145 points, showcasing his ability to contribute both goals and assists. His dribbling skills and pace make him a constant threat on the wing, and with Brighton’s attacking style under Roberto De Zerbi, he is likely to continue his impressive form.

Pros:

• Regular starter with a high ceiling for points.
• Plays in an attacking team that creates numerous chances.

Cons:

• May be subject to rotation depending on fixture congestion.

2. Lewis Miley (Newcastle United)

Lewis Miley is another exciting option priced at £4.5 million. The young midfielder has been making waves in the Premier League, showcasing his ability to contribute defensively and offensively. With Newcastle’s strong squad depth, Miley has found himself getting more minutes, especially in cup competitions and during rotation periods.

Pros:

• Low price point allows for flexibility in squad building.
• Potential for clean sheet points if played in a deeper role.

Cons:

• Limited attacking returns compared to other options.

3. Enzo Fernández (Chelsea)

Enzo Fernández, priced at £5.0 million, is a key player for Chelsea. After a solid season, he has established himself as a vital part of the midfield. His ability to dictate play and contribute to both defense and attack makes him a valuable asset. With Chelsea looking to improve their standings this season, Fernández could be pivotal in their success.

Pros:

• Strong passing ability and set-piece potential.
• Plays in a team that is expected to dominate possession.

Cons:

• May not be the most prolific in terms of goals and assists.

4. Amadou Onana (Everton)

Amadou Onana is a dynamic midfielder priced at £5.0 million. He has shown flashes of brilliance in his performances for Everton, contributing both defensively and offensively. With Everton looking to improve this season, Onana could be a key player in their midfield.

Pros:

• Strong physical presence and ability to win duels.
• Potential for bonus points through defensive contributions.

Cons:

• Everton’s overall form may impact his individual performance.

5. Carlos Baleba (Brentford)

Carlos Baleba, priced at £4.5 million, is a promising young talent who has been making a name for himself in the Premier League. His ability to play in various midfield roles gives him an edge, and with Brentford’s attacking style, he could be a valuable asset for FPL managers.

Pros:

• Low price with potential for growth.
• Versatile player who can adapt to different roles.

Cons:

• May face competition for starting spots.

Analyzing Chelsea’s Midfield Options

Chelsea has a wealth of midfield talent, and while some players may be priced higher, there are still budget-friendly options worth considering.

6. Conor Gallagher (Chelsea)

Conor Gallagher, priced at £6.0 million, has been a consistent performer for Chelsea. His ability to score goals and provide assists makes him a valuable asset. With Chelsea looking to challenge for a top-four finish, Gallagher’s contributions will be crucial.

Pros:

• Strong attacking returns and involvement in set pieces.
• Regular starter in a competitive midfield.

Cons:

• Priced slightly higher than other budget options.

7. Noni Madueke (Chelsea)

Noni Madueke, priced at £5.5 million, is another exciting option for FPL managers. The young winger has shown flashes of brilliance and could be a breakout star this season. His pace and dribbling ability make him a constant threat on the flanks.

Pros:

• Potential for high attacking returns.
• Plays in an attacking team that creates chances.

Cons:

• May face competition for starting spots.

Brighton’s Midfield Gems

Brighton has a reputation for developing young talent, and their midfield options are no exception.

8. Pascal Groß (Brighton & Hove Albion)

Pascal Groß, priced at £5.5 million, is a seasoned midfielder who has been a consistent performer for Brighton. His ability to score goals and provide assists makes him a valuable asset. With Brighton’s attacking style, Groß could be a key player this season.

Pros:

• Experienced player with a proven track record.
• Involvement in set pieces and attacking plays.

Cons:

• Age may impact his stamina over a long season.

9. Billy Gilmour (Brighton & Hove Albion)

Billy Gilmour, priced at £4.5 million, is a young midfielder with immense potential. After joining Brighton, he has been looking to establish himself in the starting XI. His passing ability and vision make him a valuable asset in midfield.

Pros:

• Low price point with potential for growth.
• Strong passing ability and vision.

Cons:

• May face competition for starting spots.

Conclusion

As the 2025-26 FPL season unfolds, identifying the best budget midfielders is crucial for building a competitive squad. Players like Kaoru Mitoma, Lewis Miley, and Enzo Fernández offer excellent value for money, while Chelsea and Brighton’s midfield options provide a mix of experience and potential. By carefully analyzing form, fixtures, and team dynamics, FPL managers can make informed decisions that will enhance their chances of success.

In summary, budget midfielders can be game-changers in FPL, allowing managers to allocate funds effectively while still securing valuable points. Keep an eye on the performances of these players as the season progresses, and be ready to make adjustments to your squad as needed. Happy managing!

The Importance of Budget Midfielders in FPL

Budget midfielders play a crucial role in Fantasy Premier League (FPL) strategy, allowing managers to balance their squads effectively. By selecting the right budget options, managers can free up funds to invest in premium players while still ensuring a competitive lineup.

• Flexibility: Budget midfielders enable managers to allocate resources to other key positions, such as forwards and premium midfielders.
• Value for Money: Many budget midfielders can deliver significant points returns, making them essential for maximizing overall team performance.
• Differential Picks: Low ownership rates for certain budget players can provide an edge over competitors, especially if they perform well.

Evaluating Performance Metrics

When assessing budget midfielders, it’s essential to consider various performance metrics that can indicate their potential contributions to your FPL team.

• Goals and Assists: Look for players who have a history of scoring or assisting goals, as these directly contribute to FPL points.
• Expected Goals (xG) and Expected Assists (xA): These advanced metrics can help predict future performance based on the quality of chances created and converted.
• Minutes Played: Regular starters are more likely to accumulate points, so consider players who consistently feature in their team’s lineup.

Brighton’s Midfield Options

Brighton has a reputation for nurturing talent and playing an attractive style of football, making their midfielders appealing options for FPL managers.

1. Kaoru Mitoma

• Price: £5.5 million
• Points Last Season: 145
• Strengths: Mitoma’s dribbling ability and pace make him a constant threat on the wing. He is expected to be a key player in Brighton’s attacking setup.

2. Pascal Groß

• Price: £5.5 million
• Strengths: An experienced midfielder, Groß has a proven track record of contributing goals and assists. His involvement in set pieces adds to his appeal.

3. Billy Gilmour

• Price: £4.5 million
• Strengths: Gilmour’s passing ability and vision make him a valuable asset in midfield. He has the potential to grow into a more significant role as the season progresses.

Chelsea’s Midfield Talents

Chelsea’s midfield is filled with potential, and several players offer budget-friendly options for FPL managers.

4. Enzo Fernández

• Price: £5.0 million
• Strengths: Fernández is known for his strong passing ability and tactical awareness. He plays a crucial role in Chelsea’s midfield and can contribute to both defense and attack.

5. Conor Gallagher

• Price: £6.0 million
• Strengths: Gallagher’s ability to score and assist makes him a valuable asset. He is expected to play a significant role in Chelsea’s push for a top-four finish.

6. Noni Madueke

• Price: £5.5 million
• Strengths: Madueke’s pace and dribbling skills make him a constant threat on the flanks. He has the potential for high attacking returns if he secures a regular starting spot.

Other Notable Budget Midfielders

In addition to Brighton and Chelsea players, several other budget midfielders are worth considering for your FPL squad.

7. Lewis Miley (Newcastle United)

• Price: £4.5 million
• Strengths: Miley has shown promise in his performances and could be a valuable asset if he continues to get minutes in Newcastle’s midfield.

8. Amadou Onana (Everton)

• Price: £5.0 million
• Strengths: Onana’s physical presence and ability to contribute defensively make him a solid option. He has the potential for bonus points through defensive contributions.

9. Carlos Baleba (Brentford)

• Price: £4.5 million
• Strengths: Baleba’s versatility and ability to adapt to different midfield roles give him an edge. He could be a valuable asset in Brentford’s attacking setup.

Analyzing Fixture Difficulty

When selecting budget midfielders, it’s essential to consider the difficulty of their upcoming fixtures. Players facing weaker defenses are more likely to score points, making fixture analysis a critical component of FPL strategy.

• Favorable Matchups: Look for players with a run of favorable fixtures, as this can significantly impact their potential for points.
• Fixture Congestion: Be mindful of fixture congestion, as it may lead to rotation and impact a player’s minutes.

Conclusion

As the 2025-26 FPL season progresses, identifying the best budget midfielders is crucial for building a competitive squad. Players like Kaoru Mitoma, Enzo Fernández, and Lewis Miley offer excellent value for money, while Chelsea and Brighton’s midfield options provide a mix of experience and potential.

By carefully analyzing form, fixtures, and team dynamics, FPL managers can make informed decisions that will enhance their chances of success. Budget midfielders can be game-changers in FPL, allowing managers to allocate funds effectively while still securing valuable points. Keep an eye on the performances of these players as the season unfolds, and be ready to make adjustments to your squad as needed. Happy managing!