Master FM24 finances with these proven ways to earn money, save cash, and build a sustainable club.
How to Make Money in Football Manager 2024 – The Smart Way
Picture this: You're midway through your first FM24 season with a lower-league club, finances are in the red, the board's breathing down your neck, and you're wondering if flogging your best player for pennies is the only way out.
Been there. Done that. Hated it.
Managing your club's bank balance is just as important as managing your midfield. In FM24, a healthy financial setup gives you the power to build your squad properly, make clever signings, and stay on the board's good side. Let's dive into the best ways you can make money and stay financially stable.
1. Pre-Season Friendlies – Easy Cash with the Right Opponent
Don't just spam friendlies against local nobodies. Instead, invite big teams for a high-profile home friendly. Even one match vs a Premier League or La Liga side can rake in tens or hundreds of thousands, especially in lower leagues. It boosts ticket sales, merchandising, and gives your club a financial jump-start.
Pro tip: Set your friendlies to be at home, and make sure there's a good 4–5 days between matches to avoid injuries.
2. Trim the Fat – Cut Your Wage Bill Early
Check your squad and wage breakdown on Day 1. Are you really using that 34-year-old backup full-back earning £4K a week? Probably not. Get rid.
Free up wages by offloading high-earners who don't justify their pay. Even saving £1K per week is £52K saved per season. That's a new wonderkid's wage budget sorted.
READ ALSO: Feeder Clubs & Affiliates: Expanding Your Club's Reach in FM
3. Be Ruthless in the Transfer Market
Think like a businessperson. You're not just buying players, you're investing. Sign cheap, develop, sell high. Simple.
Look for:
- Players with expiring contracts (Bosman deals)
- Young talent from undervalued markets (think Serbia, Colombia, Scandinavia)
- Free agents with solid attributes and resale value
Then flip them in a year or two. It's Football Manager flipping – and it works.
4. Develop Your Youth Intake – Then Sell Smart
Investing in youth facilities isn't sexy… until your academy produces a 16-year-old who's worth £5M after one season.
You don't have to keep every youth gem. If the offer is big, and you've got decent depth, sell with a smart deal:
- Add 40–50% next sale clauses
- Insert buy-back options
- Ask for appearance bonuses or friendly matches
That way, you're still profiting later when he makes it big.
5. Maximise the Loan System
Loans work two ways:
- Loan out your kids – Charge monthly fees, save on wages, and get them game time.
- Loan in talent – Bring in players you can't afford to buy yet. Some clubs even cover 100% of their wages.
For example, managing a League One side? Try loaning a Premier League youngster to dominate the league on someone else's payroll.
READ ALSO: How to Master a Moneyball Save in Football Manager 2024
6. Set Realistic Bonuses and Avoid Wage Traps
When negotiating contracts, always:
- Cap wage increases
- Avoid 'match highest earner' clauses
- Keep clean sheet and goal bonuses reasonable
These little clauses can kill your finances over a full season. Be stingy now, thank yourself later.
7. Get Promotion-Ready Facilities (But Don't Overspend)
Training and youth facility upgrades can be expensive, yes – but think long term. These investments improve squad quality, player development, and transfer value.
If you're building a long-term save, reinvest profits into:
- Youth recruitment
- Coaching staff
- Facility upgrades
It pays off. Trust me.
READ ALSO: How to Get a Son in Football Manager 2024
8. Win Matches. It's That Simple.
Winning = prize money. Winning = better sponsorships. Winning = bigger crowds.
The better your performances, the richer your club becomes.
It sounds obvious, but some managers forget this: success pays. So keep your squad happy, rotate wisely, and build a tactic that works.
9. Sell Add-Ons and Sell-On Clauses Like a Pro
Selling a player? Always negotiate:
- Sell-on percentage (aim for 40–50%)
- Bonus for appearances or international caps
- Clause to receive a fee if player wins individual awards
Even small future clauses can turn into gold. That £500K player might net you £2M later down the line.
10. Get Creative with Club Vision
The board wants you to sign under-23s? Make it your financial weapon.
Use the club vision expectations to your advantage:
- Sign young players
- Develop and flip
- Keep board happy + make money = long-term success
This also buys you more time in the job. Because what's more powerful than profit and board satisfaction?
READ NEXT: 7 FM24 Features More People Should Know About
Final Whistle: Think Like a Manager and a CFO
Football Manager 2024 isn't just a tactical sim – it's a financial one too. If you can manage money as well as you manage matches, you'll build a legacy, not just a title-winning team.
Let me know below: What's your go-to money move in FM24? Any hidden gem financial tricks I missed?
