From keeper to striker - the best FM26 free agents to fix gaps across your squad
If you’ve ever played Football Manager you’ll know the dread when your transfer kitty is tiny and your squad is full of holes. Free agents become your saviours - even more so when you can pick them up during the beta. With Football Manager 2026 set for release on 4 November 2025, we’ve scoured the current football landscape to find twenty players who are without a club in October 2025 and are very likely to remain free when the game launches. These picks include veterans with proven pedigree and younger lads whose careers have been blighted by injury. Throughout this piece I speak directly to you - imagine us chatting over a pint, planning your next FM save, and deciding which of these players could rescue your club.
Before you jump into the list, make sure your hardware can handle the game. Have a look at whether your laptop can run FM26 and check out the best FM26 laptops if you fancy an upgrade. And if you’re itching to get started early, don’t forget to check the best price for the FM26 beta so you can start scouting these free agents straight away.
1. Goalkeepers - Experienced hands bring calm
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Fraser Forster
The biggest name between the sticks on the free-agent market is Fraser Forster. Tottenham kept him as a third-choice keeper, but after winning the Europa League they opted to part ways. During his prime he impressed at Celtic and Southampton and has over 480 professional appearances. At 37 he still offers a solid option for clubs seeking a steady goalkeeper or a mentor for younger shot-stoppers. In FM26 he’ll provide you with reliability for smaller sides; his height and reflexes remain above average.
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Rui Patrício
Rui Patrício is also clubless. Roma let the Portuguese legend go; he spent last season at Atalanta and then had a short stint with Al Ain, but is now looking for a new employer. With more than 730 career appearances, Patrício is a national hero and Wolves cult icon. In your FM save he can serve as a first-choice keeper at mid-table clubs or a dependable back-up at a bigger side. Despite his age, he still commands his area and brings invaluable European experience.
2. Right-backs - Versatility and experience on the flank
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Takehiro Tomiyasu
Tomiyasu was a fan favourite at Arsenal until injuries derailed his progress. The club terminated his contract in July 2025 and the Japanese defender has been a free agent ever since. He can operate across the back line - right-back, centre-half or even on the left - and when fully fit he showcases excellent defensive instincts, pace and passing. He’s currently rehabbing a knee injury, so in FM26 he’ll be looking for a club that will give him minutes to regain form. If you offer him a deal, you’ll secure a versatile, quality defender at no transfer cost.
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Rick Karsdorp
After a turbulent spell at Roma, Dutch full-back Rick Karsdorp returned to PSV last year only to be hampered by knee problems. The club decided not to extend his contract. Karsdorp is an attack-minded right-back known for his tireless runs and dangerous deliveries. If you like using wing-backs in a three-man defence, he can offer a great balance between defence and attack. In FM26 he’ll be keen to prove himself before turning 30, so he could be a bargain for clubs who need dynamism down the flank.
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Mattia De Sciglio
Mattia De Sciglio has spent his entire career between AC Milan and Juventus, winning three Scudetti. However, he fell down the pecking order in Turin and was loaned to Empoli. Upon his return the Bianconeri chose not to offer him a new contract. De Sciglio is a steady right-back who can deputise on the left side as well. His strengths lie in positioning and tactical awareness, and with 302 professional appearances he provides reliability to any defence.
3. Centre-backs - The backbone of defence
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Daniel Amartey
Ghanaian defender Daniel Amartey made his name at Leicester City before a brief spell at Beşiktaş. He spent only one season in Turkey and has been inactive since the club released him. Amartey is powerful, tough in the tackle and can fill in at defensive midfield if necessary. In FM26 his aggression and Premier League experience will bolster any back line.
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Craig Dawson
Craig Dawson is the archetypal English centre-half - dominant in aerial duels, brave in blocks and blessed with bags of experience. After long stints with West Ham and Wolves he found himself surplus to requirements; Wolves didn’t use him in the second half of last season. In FM26 he’s the perfect mentor for a young back line and will grab the odd goal from set pieces. If you’re managing a lower-league side, Dawson could be your defensive linchpin.
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Jason Denayer
Belgian defender Jason Denayer graduated from Manchester City’s youth system and later impressed at Celtic and Lyon. He has been playing in Saudi Arabia but terminated his contract with Al Fateh in January. Denayer is quick for a centre-back, reads the game well and is comfortable on the ball. In FM26 he can also slot in at right-back or as a holding midfielder, giving tactically flexible sides a great option.
4. Left-backs - Options down the left flank
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Renan Lodi
Brazilian full-back Renan Lodi has had stints at Nottingham Forest, Marseille and Atlético Madrid before joining Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia. When he wasn’t registered for the 2025 season, he terminated his contract in September. Known for his explosive runs and pinpoint crosses, Lodi is now back in Brazil waiting for offers. In FM26 he’ll search for a club that provides regular football so he can force his way back into the national team.
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Sergio Reguilón
Sergio Reguilón struggled to establish himself at Tottenham and spent time on loan at Atlético Madrid, Manchester United and Brentford. Tottenham finally cut ties and released him. Reguilón’s pace and willingness to get forward make him attractive for sides that rely on overlapping full-backs. In FM26 he’s perfect for quick transitions and one-on-ones against wingers.
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Juan Bernat
Injuries have disrupted Juan Bernat’s career since leaving Bayern and PSG. He spent last season on loan at Getafe after Villarreal decided not to keep him. Bernat has 11 caps for Spain and can still provide quality as an attacking full-back or wing-back. In FM26 he suits teams that need an experienced left-sider to balance a young squad.
5. Midfielders - Creativity, experience and comebacks
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Miralem Pjanić
Once the heartbeat of Juventus and Roma, Miralem Pjanić’s career took a nomadic turn following a move to Barcelona in 2020. After spells in Turkey, the UAE and Russia, CSKA Moscow decided not to renew his contract. Although 35, his ability to control the tempo, pick a pass and take a free-kick remains high-class. In FM26 he’s an ideal mentor for youngsters or a creative lynchpin for clubs looking for a touch of magic in midfield.
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Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
Former Arsenal and Liverpool star Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain rediscovered some form at Beşiktaş, but the Turkish club terminated his deal after 50 appearances across two seasons. Ox’s explosive pace, long-range shooting and versatility - he can play as a central midfielder, winger or deep-lying forward - make him an enticing prospect. In FM26 he could be the box-to-box runner who breaks lines and chips in with goals.
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Dele Alli
Dele Alli’s story is both tragic and inspiring. Once a prodigy at Tottenham, he has battled injuries, mental health issues and addiction. He tried to revive his career at Como in Serie A but was sent off ten minutes into his debut and the club terminated his contract in August. In FM26 Dele represents a gamble with potentially huge upside - at 29 he still possesses the instinctive runs and goal-scoring knack that made him a star. Support him and build your tactic around his strengths, and he could become a cult hero in your save.
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Josh Dasilva
Long-time Brentford midfielder Josh Dasilva saw his contract expire after missing an entire season due to a serious injury. The Bees kindly allowed him to use their facilities for rehabilitation. Dasilva is a powerful central midfielder with a thunderous left foot - in FM26 he’s a shrewd signing for clubs who need a box-to-box player and are willing to help him regain fitness.
6. Wingers - Creativity out wide
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Hakim Ziyech
Hakim Ziyech was a superstar at Ajax, but he never settled at Chelsea and later Galatasaray. He moved to Al Duhail in Qatar for four months before being released. The Moroccan is celebrated for his vision, ferocious left-footed strike and ability to find pockets of space. In FM26 he can be deployed as an inside forward or an advanced playmaker cutting in from the right.
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Nathan Redmond
Nathan Redmond, once an England international, is also on the market. Burnley used him sparingly as they secured promotion back to the Premier League. With his pace, direct dribbling and two-footedness, Redmond can play on either wing or as a shadow striker. In FM26 he’ll add depth and experience to a mid-table side’s attacking options.
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Lorenzo Insigne
The headline name among free wingers is Lorenzo Insigne. Toronto FC terminated his lucrative MLS contract after he scored 19 goals in 76 appearances. The Italian is keen to return to Europe and aims to earn a place in Italy’s 2026 World Cup squad. In FM26 Insigne is a threat from the left, capable of scoring from free-kicks, dribbling past defenders or delivering a killer final pass. If your budget permits, this is the star free agent you’ll want to land.
7. Strikers - Forwards seeking a new challenge
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Paco Alcácer
Spanish striker Paco Alcácer burst onto the scene with Valencia and Borussia Dortmund. After spells at Villarreal and then the Middle East, Sharjah released him and he is now unattached. With 12 goals from 19 Spain caps, Alcácer is a proven finisher. In FM26 he’s a tidy signing for clubs seeking a poacher who finds space in the box and finishes clinically.
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Emmanuel Dennis
Emmanuel Dennis made his name with Club Brugge, but his move to Nottingham Forest didn’t pan out. He spent last season on loan at Blackburn, and Forest cancelled his contract in August. Dennis is lightning quick, explosive and able to play wide or as a central striker. In FM26 he fits high-press systems perfectly, harrying defenders and exploiting space behind the line.
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Patrick Bamford
Patrick Bamford scored 60 goals in 205 games for Leeds United and was central to their promotion to the Premier League in 2020. By 2025 he was no longer first choice and he and the club agreed to end his contract. Bamford brings tireless movement, intelligent link-up play and the ability to drop deep or act as a target man. For clubs seeking a hardworking striker who contributes goals and assists, he remains an astute pick.
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Diego Costa
For a bit of drama, consider Diego Costa. Gremio released the fiery Spaniard in January after he scored eight goals in 26 matches. At 36 he’s no longer the wrecking ball of his Chelsea days, but his strength and experience can still help a smaller club or guide younger forwards. In FM26 you sign Costa largely for his personality and short-term impact.
Conclusion - Who will you choose?
The free-agent market ahead of FM26 is brimming with names who have lifted Champions League trophies, won domestic titles and represented their countries. Some are veterans winding down, others are victims of injury looking for a fresh start. You’ve seen how Forster and Patrício provide calm in goal; Tomiyasu, Lodi and Denayer offer flexibility across defence; while Pjanić, Oxlade-Chamberlain and Ziyech add a creative spark. Insigne and Alcácer still have plenty of magic left to thrill your fans.
Remember, free agents can be snapped up at any time. Keep an eye on their fitness and wage demands, and don’t be afraid to take a punt on a player with something to prove. If you’re curious about even more ways to enhance your football experience, explore our premium membership for exclusive tips and data packs.
Now fire up your beta when it comes out, scout these players and let us know in the comments which free agent helped you lift a trophy. Your feedback could be the difference between another player giving up on their save or finding their next club legend.
