We bring you a list of the best free agents, i.e. players without a contract with the club, after the database update on Football Manager 2022.
We bring you a list of the best free agents, i.e. players without a contract with the club, after the database update on Football Manager 2022.
Database update on Football Manager 2022 is sometimes just as anticipated as the main game. The changes can be major after the transfers, and the performers can be rewarded with a boost in attributes, just like how the stragglers can be inversely affected with a decrease in attributes.
Player contracts can sometimes be terminated or just simply run out, leaving them without clubs and an ideal stop-gap solution to managers who want to fill up important positions without really having to invest any money.
Let's find out who the best free players are in the latest database update for FM22.
Goalkeepers are one of the most positions on the pitch. A modern-day goalkeeper builds momentum from the back and starts attacks. A Goalkeeper's mistake usually leads to goals conceded and is the only specialist position on the pitch.
Born in Mallorca, Moya began his career with Mallorca. Playing for several other clubs across Spain, his most notable moments are winning the Europa League and finishing as the runner up in the Uefa Champion's League with Atletico Madrid. He ran down his contract with Real Sociedad in 2021 and has been without a club since. In Football Manager 2022, Moya is a well-rounded keeper without many weaknesses. He is a very good passer and can comfortably play as a sweeper-keeper. He also is good in the air and can pluck crosses.
Arlauskis is a bit of a journeyman in footballing terms, having played in Lithuania, Romania, Russia, Spain, & Saudi Arabia. Arlauskis last played for Cluj in the Romanian league and is now clubless after running down his contract with Cluj. In FM22, Arlauskis is well rounded and particularly excels in 1 on 1 situations. He is also a hardworker in training, and considering he is just 33 (relatively young for a keeper), he could offer a few seasons as a worthy backup.
Best free agents - Goalkeepers
Goalkeepers are one of the most positions on the pitch. A modern-day goalkeeper builds momentum from the back and starts attacks. A Goalkeeper's mistake usually leads to goals conceded and is the only specialist position on the pitch.
1. Miguel Angel Moya
2. Giedrius Arlauskis
3. Fabian Giefer
4. Michael Rensing
5. Rafael
Best free agents - Defenders
Centre backs and fullbacks are the building blocks of any formation. They not only act as a shield in preventing goals, they sometimes have useful contributions in attack, especially from set-pieces.
1. Kwadwo Asamoah
2. Marcelo Saracchi
3. Mateo Musacchio
4. Senad Lulic
5. Laurent Koscielny
Initially plying his trade in Ligue 1, Koscielny rose to prominence after signing for Arsenal. Koscielny enjoyed most of his career success in his 9 years at Arsenal before moving back to Ligue 1 through Bordeaux. After seeing out his contract and not opting to extend, Koscielny is now a free agent. In the game, Koscielny still has extremely good attributes, especially in the mental and technical disciplines of the game. He is also a superb header of the ball and a huge threat from set-pieces situations. Considering that Koscielny can be a great leader on and off the pitch and a superb mentor for younger defenders, he could be a valuable addition to most squads.
Reichel has spent his whole career playing across several tiers of German football. He spent most of his career at Eintracht Braunschweig, helping the club achieve promotion twice and was even promoted to be the captain of the club. After the club's fall to tier3, he rejected a contract and moved to Union Berlin. Reichel spent his last season with VfL Osnabruck and is currently without a club. In the game, Reichel has well-rounded attributes in all 3 departments. He has good natural fitness and can be a handy addition to several lower-tiered clubs providing the much-needed experience.
During his younger days in Portugal, the centre back was considered a prodigy and moved to Barcelona. However, he could never really break into the Barca squad, having primarily only played for their B team. After stints in Portugal, Spain and the Netherlands, Edgar Le spent his final season with Trabzonspor in Turkey. In FM 2022, Edgar Le is currently in his prime and has well-rounded attributes in all 3 categories. Capable of playing as a right-back if needed, Edgar Le is a hard-tackling defender who is strong. Edgar Le could be a useful signing for several clubs, and considering that he is still just 27, he could be in his peak for the next few years.
Starting his career in Egypt, Elmohamady moved to the Premier League after a successful loan spell at Sunderland. However, his best years came with Hull City and then later with Aston Villa. After the end of the contract with Villa, Elmohamady left the club and is currently not playing football professionally. In the game, Elmohamady has well-rounded attributes in all 3 departments. He is a fullback who does not have many weaknesses and does a job for most clubs. His experience is his greatest asset, and he can be a good mentor for younger players.
The Brazilian started his career with Vitoria in Brazil and moved around playing for several clubs in Brazil and Portugal. The best and longest spell of his career came at Benfica, with whom he has won several trophies. He did not renew his contract after it ended in 2021 and has been without a club since. In the game, Jardel is a solid central defender despite his age. He excels in the mental aspects of the game and is a leader on and off the pitch. He can also be a good mentor for younger players and will be a handy addition to several sides.
Jonathan was considered one of Brazil's top prospects and played for 6 years with Cruzeiro. After a brief spell with Santos, he moved to Inter Milan. Jonathan played the last season of his professional career with Athletico Paranaense in Brazil. In the game, Jonathan is still a very useful fullback. Although his physical attributes seem to be waning with age, Jonathan has well rounded mental and technical attributes. He is especially good in attack, able to pick very useful crosses and is a very good dribbler.
6. Ken Reichel
7. Edgar Le
8. Ahmed Elmohamady
9. Jardel
10. Jonathan
Best free agents - Midfielders
Midfielders are the engine of any formation. Midfielders play a key role in every side, creating, scoring, or preventing goals.
1. Oscar Romero
2. Lorenzo Reyes
Reyes began his career in Chile before spending 3 seasons in Spain. He also had a successful stint in the Liga Mx. Lorenzo last played for Mazatlan in the Liga Mx and is currently without a club. In the game, Reyes has superb attributes for a defensive midfielder. The 30-year-old still has a lot to offer on the pitch and can easily make a difference for most sides he signs for. He excels in the mental aspects of the game and is a team player with a tremendous work rate.
Initially starting his career in Brazil, Augusto has played most of his career in Europe. He has played in Portugal, Spain and Turkey and has spent 7 years playing for several clubs in these nations. Augusto played for Damac in Saudi Arabia in 2021 and is without a club after the end of his contract. In the game, Augusto is a well rounded central midfielder. He is still just 27 at the start of the game and is in his prime. Augusto can be a good playmaker for most sides and is a very good passer. Considering that he has already played in Europe for several years, it may not be hard to get a work permit in several European nations, and he can make a difference on many sides.
The former French international has played for most of his career in France (except for a short loan spell in Italy). Having run down his 3-year contract at Rennes, Grenier is currently without a club in the game. His attributes in the game are excellent, especially his technicals. He is an elite passer with a silky first touch. Grenier can be a superb addition in midfield to most sides and can definitely influence games with his playmaking.
The 5th name is Sephir Taider from Algeria. The former Algerian international has played most of his career in Europe for clubs like Inter, Sassuolo & Bologna. After a successful 2 year stint in the MLS, Taider moved to Al Ain in Saudi Arabia, where he saw his contract out and is currently without a club. Taider is a well-rounded central midfielder who does not have many weaknesses. Currently 29, Taider is still in a very good physical condition and can certainly play even in the fastest of leagues. A team player, Taider is also a good penalty taker who has a good long shot.
Starting his career in Colombia, Guarin made a name for himself in the Serie A, with Inter Milan establishing himself as a very important player at the club. Guarin moved to the Chinese Super League despite interest from several European clubs and spent 3 successful seasons at Shanghai. After 1 year spells in Brazil & Colombian club Millonarios, Guarin is out of contract and without a club. One of the oldest players on this list, Guarin may be waning in the physical aspects of the game but excels in the technical and mental aspects. Guarin is a good passer, finisher and dribbler and can be a great mentor to younger players, especially from South America.
Having spent his playing career in Israel, Cyprus and Croatia, Hamza found most of his success with the Croatian club Hajduk Split. However, a ligament injury in 2020 forced Hamza to see out his contract with the club, and he has been without a club for 2 years. Hamza is a very able midfielder who is good on the ball. Possessing decent pace, Hamza is a good dribbler who can also pick out good passes. If his recovery from injury can be managed well, he can certainly make a difference to several sides and can be a handy addition who can contribute for several seasons.
Born in the Netherlands, Al Ahmadi started his career with FC Twente and later played for Feyenoord. After 2 years at Aston Villa, El Ahmadi moved back to Feyenoord. After spending his last 4 seasons at Al Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, El Ahmadi is out of contract and finds himself without a club. Despite being 36, El Ahmadi is good enough to be making a difference to several sides. He has some of the best mental attributes in the game and is a superb leader on the pitch. He also can serve as a mentor to younger players.
During his younger days, the Englishman was considered a prodigy, especially after a stellar display against Barcelona in the Champion's League. However, injuries greatly impacted his career, and Wilshere could never even come close to the potential he promised. His best years were spent at Arsenal, but Wilshere has played for several other Premier League teams. His most recent stint with Bournemouth in the Championship was unsuccessful, and Wilshere finds himself without a club in the game. Although he declined massively in terms of physicality, Wilshere is still a strong technical player. He is an excellent passer and can unlock many defences with his vision.
A journeyman in footballing terms, De Jong has played for several big European clubs during his long career. De Jong most notably has won the Eredivisie with Ajax and the Premier League with Man City. His last professional season was at Al-Shahaniya in Qatar, and he finds himself without a club since. De Jong is one of the fittest players for his age in the game. He also has some of the best mental attributes for a midfielder. De Jong is a leader on and off the pitch and can be an amazing mentor to younger players. Despite being one of the oldest players on the list, De Jong could still offer 2 seasons at the highest level.
3. Filipe Augusto
4. Clement Grenier
5. Sephir Taider
6. Fredy Guarin
7. Hamza
8. Karim El Ahmadi
9. Jack Wilshere
10. Nigel De Jong
Best free agents - Strikers
Attackers are some of the most sought after players in football. This holds good even in Football Manager 2022, where scoring/setting up goals is of utmost importance to every manager.