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Premier League.
The Scout on what Man City forward’s £15.0m valuation means for Fantasy managers
Erling Haaland will cost managers a RECORD-BREAKING £15.0m to own at the start of 2024/25 Fantasy Premier League.
The Manchester City forward rises £1.0m from last season, when he became one of only four players to start a Fantasy campaign at £14.0m, along with Thierry Henry, Robin van Persie and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Most-expensive players ever (starting price)
| Player | Season | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Erling Haaland | 2024/25 | £15.0m |
| Thierry Henry | 2005/06 | £14.0m |
| Thierry Henry | 2006/07 | £14.0m |
| Cristiano Ronaldo | 2008/09 | £14.0m |
| Robin van Persie | 2013/14 | £14.0m |
| Erling Haaland | 2023/24 | £14.0m |
Despite his huge £14.0m price tag last season, Haaland’s potential for major hauls meant that he was still the most-popular player in Fantasy for the vast majority of the campaign.
Indeed, he finished 2023/24 with an ownership in excess of 73 per cent, which was over 21 per cent more than any other player in the game.
Although Haaland’s total of 217 points was less than the 272 points he collected in his debut 2022/23 season, the underlying statistics show his goal threat remains peerless in the Premier League.
The Norwegian’s 121 shots, 114 shots in the box, 55 big chances and 57 shots on target were all more than any other player in 2023/24.
Another factor in his favour is that Haaland’s lack of international commitments over the summer means he won’t be late back to pre-season training ahead of the new campaign – unlike a host of other premium-priced stars.
And Man City’s early fixtures suggest their talisman can make a fast start to 2024/25.
According to the Fixture Difficulty Ratings (FDR), three of the champions’ first four matches score only two.
Man City’s first four matches
| GW | Opp. | FDR* |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chelsea (A) | 4 |
| 2 | Ipswich (H) | 2 |
| 3 | West Ham (A) | 2 |
| 4 | Brentford (H) | 2 |
*1 = easiest possible fixture, 5 = hardest possible fixture
In Gameweek 1, Man City visit Chelsea, where Haaland produced 16 points in the corresponding match last season thanks to two goals and an assist.
They then face Ipswich Town, West Ham United and Brentford in succession.
Haaland’s steep new price means that his owners will have just £85.0m to spend on the other 14 players in their 15-man squads.
Yet his huge goal threat and captaincy potential, combined with Man City’s kind early schedule, poses the question: can you afford NOT to have Haaland in your opening squad?