Goalkeeper Merry-Go-Round: Who’s In, Who’s Out, and Who’s Just Warming the Bench?

Goalkeeping is a weird gig. You don’t get rotated. You don’t come on in the 89th minute for a runabout. You either play every single minute of the season, or you sit on the bench pretending to be enthusiastic about warm-ups.

There are only 20 starting goalkeeper berths in the Premier League. It’s the most exclusive club in football, and unless you’re one of the lucky few who got handed the gloves and told “don’t mess this up,” your season is basically a front-row seat to the action. For second-choice keepers? You’re a glorified hype-man with gloves. Third choice? That’s not a job. That’s paid spectating, what a gig Scott Carson you’re all of our heroes’. So, let’s go club by club and figure out who’s locked in, who’s angling for a move, and who should be brushing up their LinkedIn.

Arsenal

• First Choice: David Raya

• Second Choice: Kepa Arrizabalaga

• Gone: Neto (loan ended)

Arsenal have their man. Raya’s made the shirt his own, and Arteta’s playing out from the back means Ramsdale is old news. Kepa arrives from Chelsea for just £5m,  a steal for a backup of his calibre, though he’s more confidence crisis than cup-winner these days. Don’t expect rotation here. Raya is as nailed-on as they come, making him one of the safest late-round keeper picks in your draft. Kepa? He’s just here for Carabao Cup cameos and to remind people he cost £72m once. Raya starts unless he drops a few clangers, which we don’t really expect.

Aston Villa

• First Choice: Emiliano Martínez

• Second Choice: Marco Bizot

• Gone: Robin Olsen

Villa’s situation is steady for now, but rumours persist that Emi Martínez is attracting big-name suitors – Atlético Madrid, Barcelona, even United. He’s their emotional spine, but if a big move materialises, Villa could swoop for Ortega or Nick Pope. Bizot comes in from Brest to cover, but he’s very much a second fiddle. Fantasy-wise, if Martínez stays, he’s gold. If he leaves, avoid Villa until the dust settles.

Bournemouth

• First Choice: Djordje Petrovic

• Second Choice: Neto (maybe)

• Gone: Kepa (back to Chelsea, then Arsenal).

Petrovic is a solid upgrade , young, tall, quick off his line, and more confident than Kepa was, even if Kepa did have a fantastic season at Bournemouth. Neto returns from loan but is rumoured to be moving again, which would leave Bournemouth scrambling for a backup. If Petrovic nails the shirt, he could be a sneaky FPL option at 4.5 – think 140+ saves kind of season. Petrovic is draft-worthy; Neto is worth a watch in case he jumps ship.

Brentford

• First Choice: Caoimhín Kelleher

• Gone: Mark Flekken

Kelleher finally gets his time to shine.Kelleher finally escapes Liverpool’s bench and lands a starting gig. Brentford play a similar style to what he’s used to – confident distribution, high line, and brave keeping. He’s six years younger than Flekken and arguably more talented. Stylistically similar to Flekken but younger and arguably better. If you’re in a StatrDraft league, he’s a premium sleeper. Expect a ton of save points and the occasional bonus magnet game. Massive upside. At 4.5 in FPL? That’s value. Get him in your queue now.

Brighton

• First Choice: Bart Verbruggen

• Second Choice: Jason Steele

Brighton love a possession-heavy system, and Verbruggen fits perfectly. No changes here, and that’s a good thing. He’ll get you clean sheets in patches and plenty of passes and touches for those FPL bonus point boffins. He’s not a top-tier pick, but in the right matchup? A solid pick and safe middle of the pack keeper for your draft.

Burnley

• First Choice: TBD

• Gone: James Trafford

Trafford’s move to City has left Burnley empty-handed. They’ve been linked with Nick Pope (Burnley cult hero) and Stefan Ortega (Pep’s no.2). Either would be massive signings. Until that’s resolved, stay away in fantasy. But if Pope returns? He immediately becomes one of the best “siege keeper” picks in the game. High saves, high drama, and very little help from the defence. Whoever they land, expect them to be busy. Siege mode activated. Great fantasy points inbound for the brave soul that signs.

Chelsea

• First Choice: Robert Sánchez

• Second Choice: Filip Jørgensen

Sánchez keeps the gloves for now, but he’s on a tightrope. Filip Jørgensen is interesting,  he’s got the potential to take over if Sánchez continues to look like a nervous wreck on corners. Sánchez is fine as a lower-tier pick, but you’ll want to monitor team news weekly. Could be one of the first to lose his starting job if results go south.

Crystal Palace

• First Choice: Dean Henderson

• Second Choice: Walter Benítez

Palace are sorted. Hendo is a top draft pick and could hit big on points this season. Henderson finally has a starting job again, and he’s still young enough to turn into the keeper United thought he’d be. Palace are stingy at home, and Henderson has the tools to rack up saves. Benítez from PSV is no slouch either, solid insurance policy. Draft Hendo with confidence. He’s nailed and underrated.

Everton

• First Choice: Jordan Pickford

• Second Choice: Mark Travers

• Gone: Asmir Begović

Pickford is a top-tier fantasy keeper and England’s number one for good reason. He’s capable of double-digit save games and he rarely misses a minute. The arrival of Travers gives them decent cover, but unless Pickford gets injured, he won’t be seen. Pickford should be one of the first 3 keepers off the board in any draft. Pickford is top 5 for fantasy, England’s number 1, and still somehow underrated.

Fulham

• First Choice: Bernd Leno

• Second Choice: Benjamin Lecomte

• Gone: Steven Benda

Leno’s one of those keepers who delivers consistently without any fanfare. He had a great season last year and is locked in. Lecomte, now 34, is decent backup but won’t threaten. Safe pick, especially for FPL, where you can rotate him in and out based on fixtures.

Leeds United

• First Choice: Lucas Perri

• Second Choice: Karl Darlow

• Gone: Illan Meslier

They’ve replaced the flapper. Perri is their new number one, and honestly, he might actually be decent. Meslier will likely move, and no one will miss him (sorry Dermot). Leeds needed change, and they’ve done it. Perri is a commanding presence from Lyon and should settle well. Meslier will likely leave, and Darlow continues as the reliable No.2. Leeds fans will hope Perri brings calm, fantasy managers will wait and see. Don’t go early on him, but monitor for streamers.

Liverpool

• First Choice: Alisson

• Second Choice: Giorgi Mamardashvili

• Gone: Kelleher

Alisson is still top 2 in the world. But Mamar wasn’t brought in for vibes, he wants minutes. Expect Alisson to dominate league minutes while Mamar gets domestic cups and maybe Europa League. Great signing long-term, but from a fantasy perspective, it’s Alisson or nothing.

Manchester City

• First Choice: Ederson (maybe)

• Second Choice: James Trafford (future starter?).

• Gone (probably): Ortega or Ederson.

Ortega’s exit feels inevitable, Ederson is flirting with a Saudi/Turkish retirement fund Aka City’s goalkeeping situation is fluid. Ederson might still leave (Saudi and Turkey calling), Ortega wants starts, and Trafford is now back as the homegrown heir. Ederson is still the draftable one, but don’t expect clean sheet consistency. Could be the year it all gets weird in goal for Pep. Trafford is being prepped to take over. Long-term draft stash? Maybe.

Manchester United

• First Choice (Lol): Onana (for now)

• Second Choice: Bayındır

• Wanted: Literally anyone else, Donnarumma, Pope, Emi Martínez.

This is United. If any of the big names arrive, Onana’s off to Al-Nassr and Bayındır’s off to the Championship. Keep your eye on this one. Onana was meant to be the modern sweeper-keeper. What they got was a highlight reel of calamity. The Donnarumma, Pope, and Emi rumours suggest the club isn’t convinced. If they sign a new keeper, Onana’s gone. For fantasy? Avoid this mess until it’s sorted.

Newcastle

• First Choice: Aaron Ramsdale

• Second Choice: Martin Dúbravka

• Gone (soon): Nick Pope

Ramsdale finally has a club where he can start. Yes, he’s been relegated three times, but Newcastle feels like the right fit. Pope, who was a fantasy favourite, is now on the market – Leeds, Burnley, or United could swoop. Ramsdale, despite his relegation resume, starts here. He’s the right kind of mad for Newcastle, Ramsdale is draftable again. Pope’s value depends entirely on where he lands.

Nottingham Forest

• First Choice: Matz Sels

• Second Choice: Carlos Miguel

One of last season’s unsung heroes. Sels is locked in, brilliant under pressure, and a save machine. Don’t let Forest put you off ,this guy wins you draft games. Carlos Miguel remains a solid backup but doesn’t threaten. Nothing to see here. Sels is locked in and an elite draft shout. Move On.

Sunderland

• First Choice: Robin Roefs

• Second Choice: Anthony Patterson

Big money move for Roefs. He’s young, tall, and Dutch – a proper Football Manager regen. Sunderland splashed cash on Roefs from NEC,  clearly their new No.1. Patterson’s demoted after some rough showings. Not much fantasy relevance here.

Tottenham

• First Choice: Guglielmo Vicario

• Second Choice: Antonín Kinský

Spurs fans are cautiously optimistic. Vicario had a mixed season, great at shot-stopping, ropey under pressure. If those high ball issues continue, Kinský might get a shot. Vicario’s still the guy, but keep one eye on him in October.

West Ham

• First Choice: Alphonse Areola

• Second Choice: Wes Foderingham

• Gone: Fabiański

Areola takes the full-time starting role and is a great value pick. He’ll make a ton of saves, and West Ham are defensively more organised than they get credit for. Foderingham is there to wave towels and clap goals.

Wolves

• First Choice: José Sá

• Second Choice: Sam Johnstone

Sá stays king of the Wolves den, no changes here, and that’s a good thing. Sá is steady, rarely misses a game, and gets save points galore. Johnstone as backup is excellent insurance. Draft Sá with confidence.

Final Whistle

The goalkeeper carousel is spinning at full tilt. Some clubs are still figuring it out, others are set. But one thing’s certain: your fantasy season hinges on getting this position right. Don’t be the fool who drafts a backup…Dean, remeber Martin Dubrakva and Hugo Lloris…..in the same draft!. Or worse a “he might be first choice” guess.

 Keepers are coming, going, sulking, and stalling moves. From Ederson possibly jetting off to Riyadh, to Pope trying to escape Ramsdale, and Mamardashvili breathing down Alisson’s neck  this is the summer for goalkeeping drama.

If you’re drafting this season, here’s your quick rule of thumb: pick a nailed-on number 1, don’t touch anyone with a rumoured move, and whatever you do..don’t be the lad who drafts a third-choice keeper.