Godwin ObajeFPL 2025/26: New Signings Round-Up – Sunderland and Leeds Make Moves, Norgaard to Arsenal
With the 2025/26 Fantasy Premier League (FPL) season on the horizon, clubs are stepping up their transfer business – and with it comes fresh interest from FPL managers scouting potential bargains and differentials. While some names make headlines, others quietly arrive with serious potential. Here’s a round-up of recent signings across Sunderland, Leeds, Arsenal and Spurs.
SUNDERLAND STRENGTHEN WITH TALBI AND ADINGRA
Sunderland’s return to the Premier League has sparked a flurry of signings, with the club using funds from Jobe Bellingham’s exit to build for survival. The standout arrivals are Club Brugge winger Chemsdine Talbi (£18m) and Brighton’s Simon Adingra (£18.5m).
Talbi, just 20, scored seven goals last season and impressed in the Champions League knockouts against Atalanta. Often deployed on the right wing, he’s known for his pace and direct dribbling. Despite only 12 league starts in 2024/25, he’s viewed as an impact player who fits Sunderland’s evolving counter-attacking style.
Adingra, meanwhile, moves from Brighton after two mixed seasons. The Ivorian international started 25 games in 2023/24 but struggled to convince under Fabian Hürzeler last term, starting just 12 matches and scoring five times – three of those from the bench. Capable on either flank, he’ll compete with Talbi and Romain Mundle.
One concern for FPL managers: both Talbi and Adingra are AFCON-bound in January, potentially missing crucial Gameweeks mid-season.
REINILDO PROVIDES DEPTH
Also arriving at the Stadium of Light is 31-year-old Reinildo Mandava, signed on a free from Atlético Madrid. The Mozambican full-back brings Champions League experience and will provide defensive cover for Dennis Cirkin, though his attacking output – just three goals and one assist in 140 Ligue 1/La Liga appearances – is underwhelming for FPL purposes.
LEEDS SNAP UP GUDMUNDSSON
Leeds United continue their summer rebuild with the signing of Gabriel Gudmundsson from Lille for £10m – a likely replacement for Junior Firpo. The Swedish international is a versatile left-sided player, sometimes used as a winger or even a left-sided centre-back by Sweden.
Firpo’s shoes will be tough to fill after four goals and 10 assists during the Championship-winning campaign. Gudmundsson’s attacking returns – four goals and three assists in 137 Ligue 1 matches – suggest a more reserved output, but he is a strong ball-carrier and played a part in Lille’s famous Champions League win at Anfield earlier this year.
SPURS SIGN DEFENSIVE TALENT TAKAI
Tottenham have completed a low-profile but potentially shrewd move for Kota Takai from Kawasaki Frontale. The 6’4” 20-year-old centre-back, voted 2024’s J1 League Best Young Player, is known for his passing and recovery pace. Though he boasts four senior Japan caps and helped keep Cristiano Ronaldo quiet in a Champions League tie, he’s unlikely to feature heavily this season with Spurs’ deep centre-back options. A loan move remains possible.
NORGAARD’S SURPRISE SWITCH TO ARSENAL
In one of the more unexpected deals of the summer, Christian Norgaard has left Brentford for Arsenal in a £15m deal. A defensive midfield specialist, Norgaard registered 10 attacking returns last season (five goals, five assists), but is more renowned for his ball-winning abilities.
With Jorginho and Thomas Partey departing the Emirates, Norgaard provides depth behind new signing Martín Zubimendi. Still, with limited guaranteed starts, he may not be a regular FPL pick.
Final Word: Sunderland’s early transfer aggression – paired with a favourable fixture run – makes their assets ones to watch. Leeds’ Gudmundsson could offer defensive value, while Norgaard’s Arsenal move feels more tactical than fantasy-relevant. Spurs’ Takai is one for the future.
FPL managers: keep your eyes peeled.
Godwin Obaje
