When managing on a tight budget in Football Manager 26, the free agent market becomes your best friend. Whether you’re chasing promotion or stabilizing a top-division club, finding the right player without paying a transfer fee can completely reshape your season. Below, we’ve gathered the best free agents across all positions — based on their in-game attributes, roles, and potential value to your save.
Free agents (or “contract expiry” players) are those whose deals have expired, leaving them available to sign without a transfer fee. While their wages might vary, signing them is an excellent way to boost squad depth or add short-term quality, especially if your club has limited financial resources.
In FM26, there’s a wide mix of aging veterans and surprisingly capable prime-age players in the free agent pool — each offering unique advantages for different tactical systems and budgets.
Top Free Agents in FM26 by Position
Defenders
1. Takehiro Tomiyasu (Age 26, DRC/DLC/WBR/WBL)
Versatile, reliable, and still young enough to develop, Tomiyasu is arguably the standout name among FM26 free agents. Despite starting the game injured, he’s worth the wait. Once recovered, he can slot anywhere across your backline, providing defensive solidity and composure. Expect wage demands around £20k/week, but his resale value justifies the investment.
2. Renan Lodi (Age 27, DL/WBL)
A dynamic Brazilian full-back who thrives in attack. Lodi’s acceleration, crossing, and dribbling make him ideal for managers using wing-backs or attacking full-back systems. His experience at Atlético Madrid and Marseille adds a touch of top-flight pedigree.
3. Juan Bernat (Age 32, DL/WBL/ML)
Technically gifted and attack-minded, Bernat is an excellent option for clubs in need of a seasoned left-back. His work rate and dribbling allow him to transition fluidly between defense and midfield. While his £50k/week wage demand may scare off lower-league sides, his technical quality is top-tier.
4. Craig Dawson (Age 35, DC)
A veteran centre-back with Premier League experience at West Ham and Wolves. Dawson offers leadership, aerial dominance, and a stabilizing presence for younger defenders. He’s best suited for Championship or mid-table top-flight sides seeking defensive consistency.
5. Rick Karsdorp (Age 30, DR/WBR)
Still a reliable option on the right flank, Karsdorp blends pace with decent defensive attributes. His crossing and attacking awareness make him an excellent rotational player for mid-table clubs across Europe.
Midfielders
1. Oriol Romeu (Age 33, DM/MC)
Romeu’s tackling, positioning, and stamina make him a dependable holding midfielder. Perfect for controlling the tempo or shielding the defense, he fits best in systems requiring a disciplined pivot or defensive anchor.
2. Fernandinho (Age 40, DM/MC)
While his physical attributes have declined, Fernandinho’s leadership and intelligence still shine. He’s ideal for mentoring younger midfielders or leading a smaller side’s midfield, especially in Brazil or lower European leagues.
3. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Age 31, MC/AM)
A versatile midfielder still boasting solid technical stats — dribbling, technique, and flair all at 15+. Though injuries have limited his real-life impact, he can be a creative option for clubs in the Premier League’s lower half or top Championship sides.
4. Rafinha (Age 32, MC/AMR/AMC)
The former Barcelona player is a well-rounded creative midfielder with solid passing and ball control. He suits attacking formations where he can drift between lines and link play.
5. Miralem Pjanić (Age 35, DM/MC)
Still a set-piece specialist with high technical ability, Pjanić is perfect for teams looking for experience and ball retention. He may not cover ground quickly, but he dictates the tempo superbly from deep.
Forwards
1. Lorenzo Insigne (Age 34, AML/ST)
One of the most technically gifted free agents available. Insigne’s dribbling (15), first touch (17), and vision (16) make him a creative weapon for mid-to-upper-tier sides. His wages (~£100k/week) are steep, but his influence on the pitch can be immense.
2. Diego Costa (Age 36, ST)
Still aggressive, physical, and clinical in the box. Costa’s lower stamina and pace mean he’s best used as a rotation striker or super-sub, but his finishing and aggression make him a threat in tight matches.
3. Patrick Bamford (Age 32, ST)
Reliable, hard-working, and experienced in England’s top two divisions. While not prolific at elite level, Bamford’s all-round play makes him a solid choice for Championship and mid-table Premier League clubs.
4. Mario Balotelli (Age 35, ST)
Yes, Balotelli is still around — and still effective. His flair (17), finishing (15), and strength (17) can make him a short-term goal machine for ambitious lower-tier clubs or Serie B contenders.
5. Dries Mertens (Age 38, AMC/ST)
Despite his age, Mertens’ creativity and technical finesse can change games. Great for impact roles or mentoring young attackers.
Goalkeepers
1. Salvatore Sirigu (Age 38, GK)
A safe pair of hands who brings leadership and consistency to the backline. His reflexes (17) and positioning remain strong, making him a fine one-year signing for Championship sides or newly promoted clubs.
2. Fraser Forster (Age 37, GK)
A physically imposing goalkeeper who’s still capable of strong performances. His experience and home-grown status make him ideal for English clubs needing reliable depth.
3. Rui Patrício (Age 37, GK)
Another seasoned veteran, Patrício is solid as a backup or stopgap solution for top-division clubs, particularly those seeking leadership at the back.
Budget and Wages Overview
| Player | Approx. Weekly Wage | Ideal Club Level |
|---|---|---|
| Takehiro Tomiyasu | £20k–£25k | Top-flight or promotion contenders |
| Renan Lodi | £40k–£60k | Top-division teams |
| Lorenzo Insigne | £100k+ | Elite clubs or MLS sides |
| Oriol Romeu | £20k–£30k | Top-tier or upper Championship |
| Diego Costa | £5k–£10k | Lower-league or rotation striker |
| Fernandinho | £10k–£15k | Lower leagues / South America |
| Fraser Forster | £8k–£12k | Championship or League One |
| Craig Dawson | £15k | Mid-table or promotion chasers |
Tips for Signing Free Agents
- Check Fitness and Injuries: Many veterans begin FM26 with minor or long-term injuries. Always check the medical report before offering a deal.
- Use Trials: Invite free agents for short-term trials to assess match fitness and personality traits.
- Negotiate Smartly: Some players drop wage demands drastically after a few weeks in-game. Waiting can save your budget.
- Consider Mentoring: Experienced free agents like Fernandinho or Dawson can help develop younger squad members through mentoring groups.
The Football Manager 26 free agent market offers hidden gems across every position — from the versatile Takehiro Tomiyasu to veterans like Fernandinho and Lorenzo Insigne. Signing wisely can mean the difference between promotion and mediocrity.
Read More:
- Best Teams to Manage in Football Manager 26 – Top FM26 Clubs for Every Challenge
- How to Apply Football Manager 26 Real Name License Fix Easily
- Best Mods for EA Sports FC 26: Enhance Realism and Gameplay Depth
- Best Right Wingers in Career Mode EA FC 26: Top Players & Wonderkids to Sign
Whether you’re building a long-term project or simply need reliable stop-gaps, the players above can add immediate quality and value to your team without costing a penny in transfer fees. Play Now!
