Football Manager 26: Unleash These Game-Changing Free Agents to Dominate Your Squad

Spending big money is always enjoyable in Football Manager 26, but discovering a great deal can be just as satisfying.

With financial fair play rules creating headaches for clubs worldwide, exploring the free transfer market might be your best strategy to preserve your budget, as numerous quality players are available without transfer fees at the game's launch.

Here's Sports Illustrated's guide to the top free agents in FM26.

Goalkeepers

Fraser Forster

Ex-Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Fraser Forster represents a wise acquisition for any club seeking veteran presence.

Outstanding mental attributes and an imposing physical presence make Forster dependable backup for a top-tier club or a steady choice for a developing team.

Rui Patrício

Rui Patrício becomes available after departing Al Ain in the UAE, with the Portuguese veteran certainly capable of contributing to various squads.

He's a superb shot-stopper in one-on-one situations who could bridge the gap for any club while you scout your ideal permanent solution.

Right Backs

Takehiro Tomiyasu

You'll need patience with this signing as Takehiro Tomiyasu starts the campaign with a severe ACL injury that will sideline him for most of 2025.

Upon his recovery, though, you should pursue the ex-Arsenal defender aggressively, as he's versatile across the backline and skilled enough to provide depth for an elite team.

Rick Karsdorp

For immediate assistance, consider Rick Karsdorp. At 30, he's a sensible acquisition for a season or two if you can't secure a younger alternative.

The Dutch defender doesn't excel in any particular aspect but is certainly a reliable wing-back if you need someone to patrol the right flank effectively.

Centre Backs

Daniel Amartey

There's clearly a limit regarding free agent center-backs in FM26. Daniel Amartey, previously with Leicester City and Beşiktaş, might be your finest defensive option.

He's a dependable player whose first-team days may be numbered, but for smaller clubs seeking squad reinforcement, you could fare much worse.

Craig Dawson

If you can overlook Craig Dawson's 9 pace rating, there's still a genuine center-back available here.

With 17 ratings in bravery, determination and aerial ability, Dawson belongs in the old-school category who might excel in a three-man defense, surrounded by mobile partners to handle the pace.

Left Backs

Renan Lodi

Brazilian fullback Renan Lodi might be the finest free agent on offer at game start following his brief stint with Al Hilal.

At just 27, one benefit of signing Lodi is his potential resale worth, which will be relatively substantial for a player acquired without a transfer fee.

Sergio Reguilón

Likewise, genuine value exists with Sergio Reguilón, who seeks his next challenge following his summer exit from Tottenham.

In reality, Inter Miami are reportedly frontrunners for his services, so you'd better move swiftly before the 28-year-old is snapped up.

Midfielders

Miralem Pjanić

Miralem Pjanić represents your classic free agent midfielder. His technical ability remains outstanding, but the compromise comes with severely limited physical attributes.

If you need someone to anchor the midfield and orchestrate play, Pjanić can certainly deliver, though you'll require a substitute for the closing stages.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

In reality, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has been training with Arsenal while seeking new employment. At 31, his days at that level have passed, but Oxlade-Chamberlain retains mid-tier potential.

His adaptability makes him valuable for lower-division clubs as Oxlade-Chamberlain can operate effectively across most attacking positions.

Wingers

Nathan Redmond

Focus on Nathan Redmond's 16 dribbling rating, as he possesses the skillful ball control required to trouble virtually any defender in the game.

Clear weaknesses exist—10 finishing restricts him to pure wide play—but Redmond offers an appealing choice for teams requiring additional flair on the flanks.

Lorenzo Insigne

Satisfying Lorenzo Insigne's salary expectations might prove challenging, but the Italian maestro seems worth the investment.

His technical attributes excel in crucial areas, and his speed remains respectable at 13. If you have room for an inverted winger, Insigne could still contribute at an elevated standard for another season or two.

Strikers

Diego Costa

Don't anticipate 36-year-old Diego Costa making runs behind the defense, but for a powerful striker who can occupy center-backs, the former Chelsea and Atlético Madrid forward is nearly ideal.

His impressive mental attributes—19 aggression, bravery and determination—will certainly create numerous problems (and potential injuries) while his 14 finishing proves sufficient for penalty area duties.

Emmanuel Dennis

Potential profit awaits with Emmanuel Dennis, a 27-year-old who can operate throughout your forward line.

Dennis, recently with Nottingham Forest, excels when driving at defenders and could prove valuable in a fast-break system designed to exploit space behind opposition lines.