GW5 Kneejerk Check
Each week we track how the biggest transfer swings perform in the game that follows. Last time we looked at GW4 points through the lens of GW3 transfers. This week it's GW5's turn: who managers moved for in GW4, and how those players actually scored.
Overall Picture
Looking at GW4 net transfers against GW5 points:
- Heavy inflows that worked: Semenyo (+1.04M) rewarded his new owners with a solid 5-point return including a penalty. Haaland (+398k) continued his steady premium returns with 9 points, despite delivering what is apparently his "worst start ever" - he may truly be washed.
- Heavy inflows that blanked: Van de Ven (+472k) dropped to just 1 point despite his previous 14-point haul, punishing those who chased his explosive form. Palmer (+345k) played but was substituted early due to his ongoing groin injury, netting just 1 point and disappointing managers who backed him despite the fitness concerns. Woltemade (+297k) had a disappointing debut with only 2 points in 64 minutes.
- Heavy outflows that were punished: B.Fernandes (-263k) delivered his best performance of the season (10 points with goal and assist) just as frustrated managers were abandoning ship.
- Heavy outflows that were justified: Wirtz (-339k) was benched and blanked, vindicating the mass exodus. Aït-Nouri (-452k) and Aina (-380k) were also ruled out/injured, proving the sellers right.
Chart Quadrants Explained
High transfers out + high points = regret
High transfers out + low points = dodged bullet
High transfers in + high points = great decisions
High transfers in + low points = ouch
Defenders
The defender transfers were dominated by rotation and injury concerns. Van de Ven (+472k) was the biggest disappointment, dropping to just 1 point despite his recent 14-point haul. Meanwhile, the heavy sellers of Aït-Nouri (-452k) and Aina (-380k) were proven right as both were unavailable due to injuries.
Midfielders
Midfield transfers were dominated by the Semenyo (+1.04M) bandwagon, which delivered handsomely with a penalty and solid performance. Palmer (+345k) played but was substituted early due to his ongoing groin injury, netting just 1 point and disappointing his new owners. Wirtz (-339k) was benched and blanked, justifying the mass exodus from Liverpool's German star. The biggest regret story was B.Fernandes (-263k), who delivered 10 points with goal and assist just as managers were selling him amid community frustration with his early season form.
Forwards
Forwards had mixed results this week. Haaland (+398k) continued his steady returns with 9 points this time around. Woltemade (+297k) had a disappointing debut with only 2 points, proving the early hype around Newcastle's new signing was premature.
Goalkeepers
Goalkeeper transfers had their own disappointments this week. Both Vicario and Donnarumma, the most transferred-in goalkeepers, managed just 1 point each, failing to reward their new owners. On the flip side, Sanchez sellers lucked out massively as he delivered a disastrous -3 points, turning what might have been regret into relief. The charts show that while goalkeeper transfers are typically more tactical than reactive, even the "safe" options can disappoint when clean sheets don't materialize.
Analysis based on GW4 transfer data and GW5 performance across all Premier League players. Transfer volumes represent net transfers (transfers in minus transfers out) for each player. Injury data sourced from official Premier League and club communications.