Football Manager 26: Dominate the Left Wing with These Game-Changing Signings

Football Manager 26 offers numerous tactical approaches for utilizing wingers, making the selection of the ideal player for your squad an essential decision.

Elite attacking players command premium prices in the transfer market, but with strategic scouting, you can discover excellent value picks within any budget constraints.

Here are Sports Illustrated's recommended left wing targets for FM26.

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Budget-Friendly Picks

Lorenzo Insigne (Free Agent)

When operating with limited transfer funds for a new left winger, your optimal choice is securing free agent Lorenzo Insigne on a contract.

The Italian international excels in both attacking midfield and central striker roles, contributing 16 passing and 15 dribbling attributes to your attacking setup.

Gaspar (Real Sporting)

Gaspar appears overqualified for his current situation with a team languishing in Spanish second division mediocrity.

His £4.3 million release clause ensures straightforward negotiations for the Real Sporting talent, who offers flexibility across both flanks.

Memphis Depay (Corinthians)

With Memphis Depay set to depart Corinthians as a free agent, you can secure his services for approximately £8 million, representing the upper limit of this budget category.

Depay's value proposition lies in his current ability level, making him arguably the finest player obtainable at this price point. He's suitable for spearheading a mid-tier club or providing depth for elite teams.

Stephan El Shaarawy (Roma)

Another veteran still performing at elite level, Stephan El Shaarawy can be acquired for merely £5.5 million at game launch.

For smaller clubs seeking versatile players capable of multiple positions, El Shaarawy represents an excellent choice.

Lucas Perez (Free Agent)

Given the scarcity of options in this price bracket, returning to free agency for Lucas Pérez proves sensible.

Though naturally a striker who performs optimally in central positions, his 14 dribbling enables effective wide deployment while you accumulate resources for a specialist option.

Mid-Range Selections

Steven Bergwijn (Al Ittihad)

Among numerous Saudi Arabian talents listed for transfer, Al Ittihad's Steven Bergwijn is available for as low as £8.5 million initially, with multiple clubs already expressing interest.

While his salary demands exceed his current ability rating, they remain reasonable compared to other Saudi-based players. The overall package merits consideration.

Lucas Ocampos (Monterrey)

Lucas Ocampos transferred from Sevilla to Mexican club Monterrey in 2024, yet remains sufficiently talented to influence any global team. His current ability tops this price category, though the transfer fee reflects this quality.

Monterrey seeks £18.5 million for the 30-year-old, representing exceptional value worth pursuing if your budget permits.

Alexis Vega (Toluca)

Remaining in Mexico, Toluca's Alexis Vega possesses the quality to significantly impact top European competition.

£10 million represents outstanding value for the 27-year-old, who adapts to any forward position and will be quickly claimed by competing suitors without prompt action.

Neymar (Santos)

At 33, Neymar no longer dominates the FM series as previously, but remains a top-tier player capable of excellence beyond Brazilian borders.

Securing Neymar costs merely £3 million, with his modest 11 pace compensated by exceptional 19 dribbling and 19 flair ratings.

Lukas Provod (Slavia)

Slavia offers profitable opportunities, with Lukáš Provod among several potential bargains awaiting acquisition.

£11 million secures an exceptionally versatile player. While Provod lacks standout attributes, he provides dependable service across all tactical formations.

Premium Targets

Ademola Lookman (Atalanta)

With substantial transfer funds available, prioritize Atalanta winger Ademola Lookman's expiring contract situation.

Beyond being among the game's premier wingers, he's obtainable at the bargain price of £43 million. Players of his caliber rarely become available at such rates.

Serge Gnabry (Bayern Munich)

Serge Gnabry mirrors Lookman's situation. He's an outstanding winger whose contract status reduces his valuation to £33 million.

Gnabry's primary drawback involves his substantial current wages. Persuading him to relocate won't come cheaply, but the complete package justifies consideration.

Rafael Leao (AC Milan)

At just 26 years old initially, Rafael Leão ranks among the premier left forwards available without devastating your finances.

His £52 million valuation is substantial—our list's highest—but remains considerably below typical costs for forwards of his ability, especially given his lengthy remaining contract.

Lee Kang-in (PSG)

Lee Kang-in suffers from PSG's attacking depth, with the French club accepting offers of just £31 million for the 24-year-old initially.

Kang exceeds his Parisian rotation status suggests, with only select global clubs unable to utilize him as a regular starter. His forward line versatility enhances his attractiveness.

David Neres (Napoli)

David Neres has featured consistently in these recommendations for years. Unfortunately, his Napoli transfer means he's no longer as affordable as during his Ajax, Shakhtar Donetsk, or Benfica periods.

His £33.5 million price tag still offers remarkable value for the 28-year-old, whose 20 flair and 18 dribbling will terrorize opposing defenders.