Dominate the Midfield: Top Defensive Midfielders You Must Sign in Football Manager 26

Many of the world's most successful tactical setups are centered around holding midfielders.

Football Manager 26 offers numerous ways to utilize defensive midfielders. Ball-winning destroyers excel at regaining possession, while deep-lying playmakers specialize in initiating attacks from the back.

Regardless of how you plan to deploy your holding midfielder in your upcoming FM26 campaign, here are Sports Illustrated's recommended transfer targets.

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Budget-Friendly Choices

Marten de Roon (Atalanta)

Atalanta are seeking £5 million for Marten de Roon. If your budget allows, don't think twice about accepting this offer.

The defensively-oriented Dutch player possesses the quality to anchor a mid-tier midfield or provide dependable backup for top-level squads, thanks to his 17 tackling and 15 passing abilities.

Oriol Romeu (Free Agent)

When finances are tight, your top choice should be free agent Oriol Romeu, who seeks a new club following his Barcelona release.

While his fit for a club of that caliber is questionable, smaller teams needing a midfield foundation should act quickly to secure his services.

Kevin Kampl (RB Leipzig)

Kevin Kampl will depart RB Leipzig upon contract expiration next summer, making him available for a modest £425,000 at game launch.

His 16 passing ability positions him as more of an attacking option than a pure defender, making him ideal if you need someone to control rhythm from deep positions.

Benjamin André (Lille)

Benjamin André represents the type of player who adapts to any tactical system. He's skilled in possession while equally capable of providing midfield stability through his defensive abilities.

With another expiring contract situation, you'll only need £1.6 million to complete this transfer.

Amadou Haidara (RB Leipzig)

Finding players outside their twilight years in this price category is uncommon, but RB Leipzig's Amadou Haidara provides a refreshing exception.

Despite ongoing recovery from a serious injury, the 27-year-old can be acquired for approximately £4.3 million. Haidara's positional versatility makes him invaluable for teams with limited squad depth.

Mid-Range Targets

Mauro Arambarri (Getafe)

Moving into the intermediate price range, Getafe's Mauro Arambarri stands out as the premier choice, with his £10.25 million release clause offering exceptional value.

Arambarri possesses the quality for any elite team, and major clubs quickly begin pursuing him once gameplay commences. Acting swiftly to secure his signature would be prudent.

Pascal Groß (Borussia Dortmund)

£7 million plus reasonable wages will secure Pascal Groß from Borussia Dortmund.

Along with Arambarri, he's among the few players in this bracket suitable for top-tier competition. His 16 tackling ensures seamless integration at your midfield base.

Emre Can (Borussia Dortmund)

Borussia Dortmund's versatile Emre Can represents another potential steal, though patience is required as he recovers from an extended injury layoff.

Once restored to peak condition, his £16 million valuation will seem like tremendous value.

Danilo Pereira (Al Ittihad)

Al Ittihad are prepared to sell experienced midfielder Danilo, whose £1.9 million asking price generates significant interest from multiple clubs.

Convincing wages will be necessary to entice him away from Saudi Arabia, but fortunately, Danilo's current salary remains below Pro League standards.

Billy Gilmour (Napoli)

For those seeking a more creative defensive midfielder, Napoli's Billy Gilmour could be the perfect acquisition.

His surprisingly reasonable £16 million price tag represents outstanding value for a player with considerable untapped potential.

Premium Signings

Stanislav Lobotka (Napoli)

With substantial funds available, consider approaching Napoli for Stanislav Lobotka's services.

He ranks among the finest players obtainable without devastating your transfer budget, yet costs significantly less than comparable talents. His £21.5 million release clause makes this decision straightforward.

Leon Goretzka (Bayern Munich)

While £27 million represents excellent value for Leon Goretzka, the Bayern Munich star's substantial wages mean this deal may not be as economical as it initially appears.

Nevertheless, the total investment is justified for a player of Goretzka's caliber. His statistics sheet features numerous 15s and 16s, ensuring easy squad integration.

Angelo Stiller (Stuttgart)

Another midfielder more suited to creative duties, Angelo Stiller's £34.5 million release clause merits serious consideration for well-funded clubs.

The 24-year-old possesses the potential to develop into a world-class midfielder, meaning his valuation will only increase. Secure him while possible.

Xaver Schlager (RB Leipzig)

Remaining in the Bundesliga, RB Leipzig's Xaver Schlager presents a compelling option at £32 million.

Schlager's standout technical attributes include 16 tackling and 15 passing, while the 27-year-old's impressive mental statistics will facilitate his adjustment to your team.

Sergi Darder (Mallorca)

£21 million represents excellent value for Mallorca's Sergi Darder, who becomes a target for several elite clubs immediately upon game launch. His attributes clearly explain this interest.

While goals aren't Darder's strength, his 14 tackling helps prevent them while his 16 passing creates numerous scoring opportunities.