The Hard Tackle lists the five best budget buys to consider to bring into your team heading into FPL Gameweek 22 of the 2025/26 season.
Gameweek 22 rolls around with some mouthwatering match-ups that scream opportunity for clever FPL bosses. Think Tottenham taking on West Ham United, with the Hammers leaking goals like a sieve all season long. West Ham’s backline has endured a nightmare, shipping in tons of strikes from set pieces and open play, leaving them vulnerable to pacey attackers and solid defenders who can boss the box.
That is where budget buys shine brightest. Managers scraping by on tight budgets do not need to splash cash on premium stars when hidden gems like these can deliver clean sheets, bonuses, and maybe even a goal or two. The Premier League fixtures for Gameweek 22 line up nicely for defenders and midfielders facing shaky units, and strikers with recent hot streaks.
FPL is all about timing those transfers right, and right now, with the January slump hitting wallets, grabbing a £4-6m player who is smashing it feels like finding money on the pitch. These lads are not just fillers; they are starters who could captain your squad to glory if their teams click. Stick around as we break down why each one deserves a spot in your team sheet.
Micky van de Ven: Spurs’ rock vs West Ham chaos
Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven is the defender you want patrolling your backline for Gameweek 22, mainly because West Ham United’s defense has been crumbling like a bad cookie all season. The Hammers have let in more goals than most bottom-half sides, struggling with high balls and quick counters that leave gaps everywhere.
So, van de Ven, with his lightning speed and no-nonsense tackling, thrives against teams that push forward and expose themselves like West Ham often do. Earlier this term, he was a points machine, bagging a massive 14-point haul against West Ham already with a clean sheet and a rare goal from open play, plus bonus points galore.
Lately, even after a quiet spell against tougher sides like Arsenal, his recent outings show clean sheets and defensive masterclasses building up; think steady 6-8 pointers from bonuses and saves involvement. At £4.6m, he is dirt cheap for a guy who could feast on West Ham’s woes again, making him a no-brainer budget enabler that frees up cash elsewhere.
Ferdi Kadioglu: Tackling Bournemouth blues
Brighton & Hove Albion full-back Ferdi Kadioglu screams transfer target for Gameweek 22 in FPL, thanks to Bournemouth’s backline turning into a turnstile lately. The Cherries have shipped goals left and right in recent weeks, unable to handle wide threats or overlapping runs that Kadioglu loves to exploit.
The Turk’s engine lets him bomb forward while still tracking back solid, perfect for a fixture where Bournemouth chases the game. Kadioglu has been a revelation since joining Brighton, piling up attacking returns with assists and bonus points from crosses into the box; his love for offensive hauls shines in open games.
Recent form? Steady double-digit hauls mixed with clean sheet points, even if minutes dipped early on; now he is nailed down starts and delivering 5-10 pointers regularly. Snapped up at £4.4m, this budget beast offers premium upside without the price tag, ideal for managers needing defensive stability with goal threat.
Tijjani Reijnders: Facing the Manchester United mess
Manchester City’s Tijjani Reijnders is primed to boss Gameweek 22 in FPL after shaking off a mid-season dip, facing a Manchester United side that is all over the shop. United’s inconsistencies, complete with a leaky midfield and dropped points galore, leave them open to City controlling possession and racking up shots. Reijnders slots right in, linking play and grabbing returns in these derbies.
The Dutchman exploded back recently with hauls like ten points against Chelsea and impressive outings against West Ham United and Nottingham Forest. Before the lull, he was consistent 6-8 pointers from passes and tackles; now post-recovery, expect he is an even more appealing FPL target with Manchester United’s chaos ahead. At £5.2m, he is a steal for a City midfielder who plays every week, budget-friendly form that could balloon your rank.
Enzo Fernandez: Chelsea Spark vs Brentford Blips
Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez tops the midfield picks for Gameweek 22 of the 2025/26 FPL, with Brentford’s up-and-down season handing him a golden chance. The Bees cannot string defenses together, leaking from midfield errors that Fernandez punishes with his vision and late runs. Often pushed advanced, he haunts inconsistent sides like this.
His points history sparkles lately—double figures from assists and goals in bursts, steady 5-7 otherwise as he dictates play. Recent games show him climbing ranks with advanced roles yielding bonuses and shots. £6.4m feels like pocket change for his haul potential here, a budget midfielder with captaincy vibes against Brentford’s wobbles.
Mateus Mane: Wolves’ Fire vs Newcastle Holes
Wolves striker Mateus Mane has been on fire these past weeks, making him a must-grab for Gameweek 22 against Newcastle United’s shaky defense. The Magpies have faltered big time this season, conceding soft goals and struggling away where Wolves pounce. Mane’s youthful bursts still net him strikes and assists galore.
In recent outings, he has picked up nine points and 12 points against Everton and West Ham United, respectively, making him an emergency bench monster. So, it is no wonder that top clubs are lining up to sign Mane and forcing Wolves to react. Newcastle United’s leaks play right into his hands. At £4.5m, this budget forward’s current streak makes him pure value, freeing funds for hits elsewhere.
FPL Budget Transfer Recommendations at a Glance
| Player | Club | Opponent | Main Appeal (Price) | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Micky van de Ven | Tottenham Hotspur | West Ham United (H) | £4.6m + budget enabler with CS upside | Low |
| Ferdi Kadioglu | Brighton & Hove Albion | Bournemouth (H) | £4.4m + attacking returns | Medium |
| Tijjani Reijnders | Manchester City | Manchester United (A) | £5.2m + post-lull hauls | Low |
| Enzo Fernandez | Chelsea | Brentford (H) | £6.4m + advanced role value | Medium |
| Mateus Mane | Wolverhampton Wanderers | Newcastle United (H) | £4.5m + recent streak | Medium |
Honourable Mentions
Honourable mentions go to Jaka Bijol, Michael Kayode, Max Alleyne, James Garner, Brenden Aaronson, Harvey Barnes, Armando Broja, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Keep eyes on them for future punts if form holds.
