The Best Free Agents to Sign on Football Manager 26

There are bargains to be found all across the pitch.

Takehiro Tomiyasu is planning his next move. / Rene Nijhuis/MB Media/Getty Images

Splashing the cash is always fun in Football Manager 26, but finding a bargain can be equally rewarding.

With financial regulations causing clubs across the globe plenty of problems, dipping into the free agent market could be the way to go to save yourself some funds, with plenty of good players available for nothing at the start of the game.

Here’s Sports Illustrated’s rundown of the best free agents in FM26.

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Goalkeepers

Vicente Guaita

Vicente Guaita is looking for a new club. / Football Manager 26

At the top of your shopping list for goalkeepers should be Vicente Guaita, who left Spanish side Celta this summer after two seasons.

The 36-year-old is a steady pair of hands and his 16 positioning will go a long way towards securing your defence.

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Fraser Forster

Fraser Forster recently left Tottenham. / Football Manager 26

Former Tottenham Hotspur stopper Fraser Forster is a smart addition for any team looking for some experience.

Some excellent mental stats and a monstrous frame make Forster reliable cover for an elite side or a solid option for a team still finding its feet.

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Right Backs

Takehiro Tomiyasu

Takehiro Tomiyasu is coming back from a serious injury. / Football Manager 26

You’ll have to be patient with this one as Takehiro Tomiyasu begins the game with a serious ACL injury which will keep him sidelined for the vast majority of 2025.

When he returns, however, you should be all over the former Arsenal man, who is comfortable all across the defence and is even good enough to act as cover for a top side.

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Hugo Mallo

Hugo Mallo is a nice option. / Football Manager 26

If you need immediate help at right back, your best bet is to turn to 34-year-old workhorse Hugo Mallo.

His impressive mental stats will help him adjust to life at a new club, while his versatility could also prove useful in a smaller side.

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Centre Backs

Koffi Djidji

Koffi Djidji is the best player available. / Football Manager 26

Former Torino centre back Koffi Djidji is statistically your best option when it comes to the heart of defence.

The 32-year-old is still going strong physically and excels in all the important technical areas. 16 tackling and 14 for marking and heading tell you everything you’re going to get from him.

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Craig Dawson

Craig Dawson departed Wolves in the summer. / Football Manager 26

If you can look past the 9 pace of Craig Dawson, there’s still a real centre back to be found here.

With 17 bravery, determination and heading, Dawson fits into the no-nonsense category who would perhaps thrive in the heart of a back three, with agile options around him to do the running.

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Left Backs

Renan Lodi

Renan Lodi is an excellent option. / Football Manager 26

Brazilian defender Renan Lodi could be the best free agent available at the start of the game after returning from a short spell with Al Hilal.

Still only 27 years old, one of the advantages to Lodi is his resale value, which will be comparatively high for a player picked up on a free transfer.

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Sergio Reguilón

A move for Sergio Reguilón could be a bargain. / Football Manager 26

Similarly, there’s real value to be had with Sergio Reguilón, who is hunting his next opportunity after his summer departure from Tottenham.

In the real world, Inter Miami are thought to be leading the race for his signature, so you better act quickly before the 28-year-old is taken off the market.

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Midfielders

Oriol Romeu

Oriol Romeu is a real bargain. / Football Manager 26

The best player without a club when the game starts is former Barcelona midfielder Oriol Romeu.

The tough-tackling Spaniard isn’t going to make any real noise at that elite level of the game these days, but he’s undoubtedly still good enough to hold his own for a top-flight club in search of an anchor.

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Rafinha

Rafinha has some incredible attributes. / Football Manager 26

If it’s more creativity you’re looking for, Rafinha is your guy.

17 technique, 16 passing , 16 dribbling and 15 crossing will ensure he won’t be sat in free agency for much longer.

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Wingers

Lorenzo Insigne

Lorenzo Insigne’s technical stats are superb. / Football Manager 26

Meeting Lorenzo Insigne’s wage demands could be a challenge, but the Italian veteran appears to be worth the effort.

His technical stats are excellent where you need them to be, and his pace is still holding on at 13. If you’ve got space for an inside forward, Insigne might still have a year or two of being able to help out at a high level.

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Lucas Pérez

Lucas Pérez is a versatile attacker. / Football Manager 26

He might be a natural central striker, but limited alternatives out on the left make Lucas Pérez one of your better winger options this year.

14 dribbling and 13 crossing will help him out wide, but if you do move him back to his natural position, you’ll enjoy his 14 finishing as well.

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Strikers

Diego Costa

Diego Costa looks like a real target man. / Football Manager 26

Don’t expect 36-year-old Diego Costa to go darting into the channels, but if you’re looking for a hulking striker capable of occupying defenders, the former Chelsea and Atlético Madrid man is almost perfect.

His high mental stats—19 aggression, bravery and determination—will undoubtedly cause a whole host of problems (and injuries) and his 14 finishing is enough to get the job done in the box.

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Michail Antonio

Michail Antonio left West Ham during the summer. / Football Manager 26

Take a look at former West Ham United striker Michail Antonio if you need another option in attack.

Antonio’s a bit of an all-rounder who may be best suited for a role as a late substitute off the bench, giving him the chance to use his solid physical attributes to his advantage.

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