Originally published on our sister site Fantasy Football Community, one of our Fantasy EFL experts reveals their hidden gems for 2025/26.
Finding that edge in your squad can be the difference between a strong start and falling behind – and that’s where this guide to hidden gems in Fantasy EFL 2025/26 comes in.
We’ve scouted lesser-known picks with high potential, bargain prices, and strong fixtures who could explode in value early doors. If you’re looking to get ahead of the curve and outsmart the template, these are the names to keep firmly on your radar.
Goalkeeper – Teddy Sharman-Lowe
Lowe is a promising young goalkeeper and a member of the England U21 national team. Originally contracted to Chelsea, Lowe is currently on loan at Bolton Wanderers, a club with ambitious plans to climb the English Football League (EFL) ladder.
Last season, Teddy was instrumental in Doncaster Rovers’ promotion to League One. Throughout the campaign, he made 88 saves. This was the second-highest total among goalkeepers of all EFL promoted teams, just behind Goodman, who recorded 97 saves. It also highlights his strong shot-stopping ability and reliability under pressure at this competitive level.
Despite his impressive contributions, Teddy remains a relatively low-profile option, currently owned by just 0.9% of Fantasy managers. Bolton’s opening fixture against Stockport presents a tough challenge but his proven quality and experience at this level make him a valuable asset. It is expected that his ownership will grow substantially as the season progresses.
Defender – Macauley Southam Hales
Bristol Rovers, recently relegated from League One, are aiming for a quick return, and they’ve brought in some fresh faces to help. One standout is wing-back Macauley Southam Hales. He arrives from Stockport. There, he played 17 matches last season and scored three goals, a remarkable return for a defender. Stockport was one of the most consistent teams in League One and narrowly missed out on promotion, so he comes from a strong setup.
Southam-Hales is an attack-minded full-back who loves to get forward. In Gameweek 1 against Harrogate, a side known for sitting deep, expect him to have lots of time on the ball in the final third. At just 0.8% ownership, he’s a real differential with high upside.
You can check out lots of great Fantasy EFL content ahead of the new season here
Midfielder – Jorge Grant
Salford are an ambitious club pushing to climb the English football pyramid. They’ve secured key players like Ashley, Mnoga, and Garbutt, but Jorge Grant is a standout new signing. Still in his prime, Grant joins from Hearts, where he made 30 league appearances last season (18 starts), scoring three goals and adding one assist.
A few seasons ago, he was a creative force at Lincoln in League One, producing 15 goals and 16 assists in 68 matches. That’s an elite end product for this level. Right now, he’s owned by 0% of managers, but that won’t last for long.
Forward – Lasse Nordås
Luton Town signed Norwegian striker Lasse Nordås in February while fighting relegation. They paid €3m, a sizable fee for this league. Nordås is a proven goal scorer, having played roles at Norwegian clubs Bodø/Glimt and Tromsø.
He was one of the key Tromsø assets, with 13 goals in 56 Eliteserien matches. The fact he’s likely to stay at Luton shows the club’s faith in him, and he certainly has the quality. Luton’s opening match is ideal: they face newly promoted AFC Wimbledon, who have lost key players and are still settling their squad. Nordås is currently owned by just 0.1%, making him a hidden gem worth watching.
