Position by position picks, predicted potential and how to develop them in your save
Picture this: it’s a rainy October evening in London. You’re curled up on the couch with a steaming mug of tea, prepping a new Football Manager save. Pre‑season has barely started but your assistant manager keeps raving about a teenage midfielder at Arsenal called Myles Lewis‑Skelly. They say he could be the next great England star. You’re torn between sensible signings and taking a punt on an unproven wonderkid with a five star potential. I’ve been there – pacing the room, wondering how the board will react if I blow half my budget on a 17‑year‑old. That tension between caution and ambition is what makes chasing wonderkids so addictive.
When the new Football Manager game drops later this year, our obsession will begin again. With a help of efem.club’s algorithm and real‑world performances I have compiled this preliminary wonderkid shortlist. These aren’t just names; they’re teenagers making headlines for their clubs right now. Throughout this article I’ll share personal anecdotes, tactical tips and warnings about players who might not live up to the hype. I’ll also link you to useful resources on our own FM Blog, such as our pre‑order FM26 guide, best FM26 laptops and predicted free agents. Think of this as a friendly chat with your mate who spends far too many hours on FM.
How this list works
Before diving in, a quick note on methodology. Unlike Football Manager’s hidden potential numbers (which use a dynamic range like –9 to –1 or fixed values from 1 to 200), efem.club uses growth attributes, age and maximum potential to build an algorithm that gauges how a player might develop. They convert this into a 1–100 rating because Sports Interactive doesn’t allow fansites to publish unmasked potential ability. In simple terms: a rating of 94/100 corresponds to the current ability of world‑class players, a score of 90/100 aligns with elite starters, 87/100 with established stars, 85/100 with top‑level performers and 80/100 with solid professionals. Anything above 90 signals a potential superstar.
I’ll group the players positionally – starting with goalkeepers, moving through defenders, midfielders and wingers, and finishing with strikers. Remember, these are predictions based on form and scouting; real‑world form and official FM data can change, but the following shortlist is an excellent starting point.
1. Goalkeepers (GK) – the last line of defence
Ask anyone who’s lost a final due to a goalkeeping clanger and they’ll tell you: a reliable young keeper is priceless. In one of my previous FM saves with West Ham, my veteran goalkeeper picked up a long‑term injury and I had to throw a raw 18‑year‑old between the sticks. We conceded silly goals, morale plummeted and I vowed never to neglect the goalkeeper position again. Here are the early shot‑stoppers worth your attention.
Guillaume Restes (Toulouse, predicted potential 87) – Restes has been Toulouse’s first‑choice keeper since his teenage years and helped them stabilise in Ligue 1. He’s commanding in the box and comfortable with the ball at his feet. In FM26 he’s likely to start with high reflexes and positioning, with room to grow. Keep him on an intensive goalkeeper training schedule; pair him with an experienced mentor to accelerate his mental attributes.
Jonas Urbig (Bayern Munich, 85) – After starring for Nürnberg, Urbig was snapped up by Bayern to succeed Manuel Neuer. He’s tall, agile and has excellent distribution. Bayern might not give him immediate game time, so look to loan him in your first season if you manage a Bundesliga or Premier League side.
Mike Penders (Strasbourg, 83) and Dennis Seimen (Paderborn 07, 83) – Penders is a modern sweeper‑keeper, while Seimen is known for his penalty‑saving exploits in Germany’s second tier. Both are affordable for mid‑table clubs. Watch their personality traits; you want at least “professional” or better to ensure steady development.
Rome‑Jayden Owusu‑Oduro (AZ Alkmaar, 82) – Born in the Netherlands but eligible for Ghana, Owusu‑Oduro has drawn attention for his bravery and reflexes. If you enjoy building squads with dual‑nationality players, he’s a fun project.
Completing the goalkeeping list are Diego Kochen (Barcelona, 82), James Beadle (Birmingham City, 81), Max Weiß (Burnley, 81), Matthieu Epolo (Standard Liège, 81) and André Gomes (Alverca, 81). Kochen is part of Barcelona’s La Masia but will need a loan for consistent minutes; Beadle is contracted to Brighton but spent last season on loan at Birmingham – his athleticism is impressive but he needs to improve his handling.
2. Defenders – building from the back
Centre‑backs (CB) – ball‑playing rocks
Your centre‑backs are the spine of your team. In one save I once signed a kid with blistering pace but ignored his decision‑making; he cost us promotion. Don’t repeat my mistake. Look for composure, anticipation and positioning first.
Dean Huijsen (Real Madrid, 94) is the standout. Having come through Juventus’ academy before moving to Spain, he combines elegance with steel. Standing at about 6 ft 5 in, he’s dominant aerially and can ping diagonal passes. In your save, train him as a ball‑playing defender with a “tackle harder” instruction; his bravery will make him a leader.
Pau Cubarsí (Barcelona, 91) reads the game like a veteran despite being only 18. He rose through La Masia and is already getting minutes in La Liga. If you run a high defensive line, his anticipation and agility are invaluable.
Giorgio Scalvini (Atalanta, 89) and Leny Yoro (Manchester United, 89) – Scalvini anchors Atalanta’s back three; his versatility allows him to deputise at defensive midfield. Yoro’s move to Manchester United fits their tradition of trusting youth. Both have high ceilings but be mindful of their concentration, especially in high‑pressure matches.
Ousmane Diomande (Sporting CP, 88), Abdukodir Khuszanov (Manchester City, 88), Pietro Comuzzo (Fiorentina, 87), Vítor Reis (Manchester City, 87), António Silva (Benfica, 87) and Zeno Debast (Sporting CP, 86) round out a strong class of centre‑backs. Diomande brings raw power; Khuszanov and Reis are City prospects who might need loans; Comuzzo is emerging as Fiorentina’s leader; Silva already performs on European nights for Benfica; Debast is tipped to be Belgium’s next Vincent Kompany.
Left‑backs (LB) – pace and end product
A modern left‑back isn’t just a defender; they’re an auxiliary playmaker, overlapping winger and sometimes an inverted midfielder. In one of my previous saves, my left‑back racked up 20 assists in a season because I instructed him to stay wider and whip early crosses. Don’t underestimate this role.
Myles Lewis‑Skelly (Arsenal, 94) – Yes, the same wonderkid from our introduction. Although primarily a central midfielder in real life, early predictions suggest he’ll also excel at left‑back due to his dribbling, work rate and stamina. He made his first‑team debut during the 2024‑25 season and was later nominated for a prestigious young player award. In many saves he’ll be available for relatively cheap in the first summer, so snap him up before Arsenal realise how good he is.
Alejandro Balde (Barcelona, 92) is already a household name. His pace and ability to beat his man make him one of the most exciting full‑backs in Europe. He’s the heir to Jordi Alba and will command a huge fee, but if you can afford him he’ll dominate the flank for a decade.
Jorrel Hato (Chelsea, 89) switched from centre‑back to left‑back after joining Chelsea and shows composure beyond his years. He’s comfortable on the ball and strong in the tackle – a perfect fit for possession‑heavy systems.
Milos Kerkez (Liverpool, 89) provides endless energy up and down the touchline. Patrick Dorgu (Manchester United, 86) is raw but extremely quick; if you sign him, invest in his defensive positioning early.
The supporting cast – Diego León (Manchester United, 86), Valentín Barco (Strasbourg, 85), Lewis Hall (Newcastle, 85), Keita Kosugi (Djurgårdens, 83) and El Hadji Malick Diouf (West Ham, 83) – offers good variety. Hall is a set‑piece specialist; Barco brings South American flair; Kosugi and Diouf are affordable options for smaller budgets.
Right‑backs (RB) – balance and versatility
The right‑back often has to be as comfortable dribbling forward as he is tracking back. Use them as inverted full‑backs if you’re replicating Guardiola’s tactics, or as attacking wing‑backs in a 3‑5‑2. The current crop boasts both athleticism and intelligence.
Rico Lewis (Manchester City, 88) emerged under Pep Guardiola as an inverted full‑back, stepping into midfield when City have possession. His tactical understanding at 19 is remarkable. In your save, develop his passing and off‑the‑ball movement to maximise his impact.
Michael Kayode (Brentford, 87) and Martim Fernandes (FC Porto, 87) are next. Kayode joined Brentford from Fiorentina and is one of the brightest prospects in England. Fernandes broke into Porto’s first team and has a hefty £86 million release clause; Tottenham are reportedly monitoring him, so sign him early if you can.
Wesley (AS Roma, 85) and Givairo Read (Feyenoord, 84) offer different profiles: Wesley is more aggressive and likes to get stuck in, while Read is an attacking full‑back who thrives on overlapping runs.
Completing the right‑back list are Conor Bradley (Liverpool, 84), Omar El Hilal (Espanyol, 83), Álex Jiménez (Bournemouth, 82), Héctor Fort (Elche, 82) and Kosta Nedeljkovic (RB Leipzig, 82). Bradley has already featured in cup games for Liverpool; Nedeljkovic could become Serbia’s next elite full‑back.
3. Midfielders – the engine room and creative spark
Midfield is where your save is won or lost. Good midfielders knit attacks together and shield your defence. We’ll cover defensive midfielders (DM), central midfielders (CM) and attacking midfielders (AM).
Defensive midfielders (DM) – protection and progression
Years ago, my save ended abruptly because I failed to sign a proper defensive midfielder. My team conceded soft goals, leaving me no choice but to resign. Don’t make that mistake. A top DM will break up play, recycle possession and even initiate attacks.
Aleksandar Pavlovic (Bayern Munich, 92) leads the list. The Serbian‑born German came through Bayern’s youth ranks and epitomises the modern No. 6 – strong, tactically disciplined and capable of playing vertical passes. He looks up to Joshua Kimmich and could replicate his versatility in FM26.
Carlos Baleba (Brighton & Hove Albion, 89) joined Brighton from Lille and has quickly caught the eye in the Premier League. He wins tackles, covers ground and can drive forward with the ball. Brighton may demand a premium, but his predicted potential suggests he’s worth the outlay.
Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace, 88) and Archie Gray (Tottenham, 87) – Wharton has become Palace’s midfield linchpin, combining technical ability with tenacity. Gray, whose family has deep Leeds United ties, now plays for Tottenham and can deputise at right‑back or centre‑midfield, giving you tactical flexibility.
Arthur Vermeeren (RB Leipzig, 86) and Jorthy Mokio (Ajax, 85) round off the top names. Vermeeren is another Belgian playmaker groomed by Anderlecht before moving to Germany; Mokio is the latest Ajax academy graduate who reads the game brilliantly.
Supporting options include Marc Casadó (Barcelona, 84), Jack Hinshelwood (Brighton & Hove Albion, 83), Roméo Lavia (Chelsea, 83) and Zé Lucas (Sport Recife, 82). Casadó is a tidy passer; Hinshelwood can also play at right‑back; Lavia joined Chelsea after impressing at Southampton and is set to step out of Moisés Caicedo’s shadow; Zé Lucas offers an affordable South American option.
Central midfielders (CM) – the heartbeat
João Neves (Paris Saint‑Germain, 97) sits atop the central midfielders and is arguably the most complete young midfielder in Europe. He helped PSG win their 13th league title and their first Champions League. Unlike some deep‑lying playmakers, he isn’t shy of hard work: he tackles, presses and drives forward with the ball. In FM26, play him as a roaming playmaker or advanced deep‑lying playmaker and expect him to dominate.
Gavi (Barcelona, 94) and Warren Zaïre‑Emery (Paris Saint‑Germain, 90) follow. Gavi brings tenacity and sharp passing; he has been a mainstay for Barcelona and Spain since his teens. Zaïre‑Emery captained PSG in the Champions League despite being only 18 – his composure and work ethic are outstanding. Both can develop into world‑class box‑to‑box midfielders; train their composure and decision‑making to avoid needless yellow cards.
Ayyoub Bouaddi (Lille, 89) and Sverre Halseth Nypan (Manchester City, 88) are next. Bouaddi broke into Lille’s first team at 17 and provides a mix of grit and elegance. Nypan, the Norwegian prodigy, moved to Manchester City and is often compared to Kevin De Bruyne for his vision and ball‑striking. Start them in cup games to accelerate their development.
Lucas Bergvall (Tottenham, 88) and Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United, 88) – Bergvall made a big leap from Djurgårdens to Tottenham, and his adaptability is his greatest strength. Mainoo’s emergence for Manchester United saw him play key roles in crucial games; his stamina and technique make him a future England starter.
There’s more: Hugo Larsson (Eintracht Frankfurt, 87), Andrey Santos (Chelsea, 87) and Assan Ouédraogo (RB Leipzig, 87) all deserve attention. Larsson is a pressing machine; Santos will hope to follow in Thiago Silva’s footsteps; Ouédraogo offers versatility and physical presence.
Attacking midfielders (AM) – creativity and chaos
Remember that save when you couldn’t break down stubborn 4‑4‑2s? An inventive attacking midfielder can unlock defences with one pass or a dribble. Here are the upcoming No. 10s who could transform your team.
Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal, 91) is Arsenal’s latest gem. He made headlines when he became the youngest Premier League debutant and has since matured physically and mentally. He can play as a shadow striker or an advanced playmaker; emphasise his passing and agility in training to maximise his creative output.
Rodrigo Mora (Porto, 90) and Kenan Yıldız (Juventus, 90) – Mora brings South American flair and a penchant for long‑range strikes, while Yıldız uses his balance and dribbling to create chances in tight spaces. Both players require regular minutes; if their clubs don’t provide them, a loan spell can kick‑start their development.
Nico Paz (Como, 89) and Arda Güler (Real Madrid, 89) are unique cases. Paz left Real Madrid in search of game time and has been thriving at Como; he’s comfortable playing between the lines and has a wicked shot from distance. Güler, signed by Real Madrid in 2023, has to compete with an array of stars; he’s extremely technical and can turn a match with a single pass. Secure him on loan if Real plan to keep him on the bench.
Lower down the list but still worth watching are Konstantinos Karetsas (KRC Genk, 88), Max Dowman (Arsenal, 88), Gilberto Mora (Club Tijuana, 87), Cavan Sullivan (Philadelphia Union, 87) and Kendry Páez (Strasbourg, 87). Karetsas is a dead‑ball specialist; Dowman offers physicality; Mora is a low‑cost alternative; Sullivan is tipped to become MLS’s next star; Páez provides guile at a bargain price.
4. Wingers – flair and penetration
Wide players are match‑winners. They carry the ball up the pitch, beat defenders and create overloads. In FM you can deploy them as inside forwards, inverted wingers, or traditional wingers. This section covers both left‑wingers (LW) and right‑wingers (RW).
Left‑wingers (LW) – tearing up the flank
Savinho (Manchester City, 89) is first on the list. Formerly of Troyes and Girona (both City Football Group clubs), he finally joined Manchester City. His dribbling and acceleration are top‑tier. Pep Guardiola might not start him immediately, so sign him before his price skyrockets.
Julien Duranville (Borussia Dortmund, 88) and Jesús Rodríguez (Como, 88) follow. Dortmund have a track record of developing wide players – think Ousmane Dembélé and Jadon Sancho. Duranville has similar raw talent. Rodríguez left Real Madrid’s academy to get minutes; he’s thriving in Serie A.
Assane Diao (Como, 88) and Rio Ngumoha (Liverpool, 87) – Diao is a powerful dribbler with a long stride; use him as a wide target forward. Ngumoha, who left Chelsea for Liverpool, is lightning quick and will stretch any defence.
You should also keep tabs on Mikey Moore (Rangers, 87), Malick Fofana (Lyon, 87), Alejandro Garnacho (Chelsea, 86), Eliesse Ben Seghir (AS Monaco, 86) and Benjamín Domínguez (Bologna, 85). Garnacho moved from Manchester United to Chelsea and will challenge for minutes; Fofana is an excellent dribbler; Ben Seghir offers versatility across the attacking line.
Right‑wingers (RW) – cutting inside and scoring
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona, 99) has the highest predicted potential of any player on this shortlist. At just 17 he helped Barcelona win the league title in the 2024/25 season and became a starter. Early predictions suggest he will have a 99/100 rating in FM26, making him the closest thing to a generational talent. In your save, invest heavily – he could outshine legends if developed correctly. Prioritise his stamina so he can sustain his impact for full matches.
Estêvão (Chelsea, 96) moved to London from Palmeiras in a deal reportedly worth around £29 million initially, potentially rising to about £57 million with add‑ons. The teenager called the transfer a dream and was named breakthrough player and top striker in Brazil’s top flight last season. He’s left‑footed, loves cutting inside and has a deadly shot. Integrate him gradually to build his confidence.
Désiré Doué (Paris Saint‑Germain, 96) announced himself to the world by scoring twice in PSG’s 5‑0 win over Inter in the 2025 Champions League final. The victory delivered PSG’s first European Cup. Doué can play centrally or wide; his versatility and big‑game mentality make him priceless.
Geovany Quenda (Sporting CP, 89) and Franco Mastantuono (Real Madrid, 89) round out the top tier. Quenda is a trickster who loves nutmegs; Mastantuono, signed by Real Madrid from River Plate, can also play as a false nine.
Behind them are Jamie Gittens (Chelsea, 88), Gabriel Carvalho (Al‑Qadsiah, 87), Antonio Nusa (RB Leipzig, 87), Rayan (Vasco da Gama, 87) and Tyler Dibling (Everton, 86). Nusa has already debuted in the Champions League with Club Brugge; Dibling’s solo efforts for Southampton’s academy turned heads.
5. Strikers (ST) – goals win games
No matter how well you build your squad, you need someone to put the ball in the net. Strikers are FM gold, but they can also be expensive mistakes. A reliable goalscorer can deliver promotions, trophies and legendary status.
Endrick (Real Madrid, 91) is arguably the most hyped teenager in world football. Real Madrid agreed a deal with Palmeiras in December 2022 worth around £61 million and unveiled him at the Bernabéu when he turned 18. He described signing for Madrid as a dream. In FM26 he will have one of the highest potential ceilings. Train him as an advanced forward or pressing forward, but ensure he gets plenty of game time early.
Samu Aghehowa (FC Porto, 89) – Tottenham are reportedly interested in the Porto striker, who is considered one of the top young talents in world football. He has a release clause of £86 million and netted 27 goals in all competitions last season. If you need a future No. 9, Aghehowa is your man – just be prepared for his wage demands.
Jhon Durán (Fenerbahçe, 88) – Durán wears the No. 10 shirt for Fenerbahçe and has built a reputation for pace and power. While his finishing is still raw, his athleticism makes him a constant threat. Use him as a pressing forward to exploit defenders.
Santiago Castro (Bologna, 88) and Vitor Roque (Palmeiras, 88) are prime poachers. Castro’s move to Italy has allowed him to hone his positioning; Vitor Roque, another Brazilian sensation, remains in Brazil for now but European giants are circling.
Supporting the forward line are Charalampos Kostoulas (Brighton & Hove Albion, 88), Francesco Camarda (Lecce, 87), Conrad Harder (RB Leipzig, 87), Mathys Tel (Tottenham, 86) and George Ilenikhena (AS Monaco, 85). Camarda became AC Milan’s youngest debutant at 15 before moving to Lecce to play regularly; Tel joined Tottenham from Bayern Munich, drawing comparisons to Thierry Henry.
Conclusion – turning potential into glory
Congratulations – you’ve just read a comprehensive early look at FM26’s wonderkids. These ratings are predictions based on efem.club’s algorithm and current real‑world form; they will inevitably change by the time the new Football Manager game is released. Nevertheless, players like Lamine Yamal, João Neves, Endrick and Myles Lewis‑Skelly look poised to become generational stars. Other names – Samu Aghehowa, Savinho or Rico Lewis – might end up as hidden gems or overpriced hype.
When you start your next save, don’t just sign players because of their predicted potential. Consider personality, playing time and your club’s facilities. Use mentoring, tailored training plans and the occasional loan move to nurture your investments. And if you need more help, check out our FM Rater for laptops to optimise performance, best FM26 laptops, FM TV for tactical breakdowns, and predicted free agents who can complement your wonderkids without breaking the bank.
Now it’s your turn: which of these wonderkids are you most excited about? Do you see Myles Lewis‑Skelly becoming England’s next midfield general, or are you putting all your faith in Endrick to fire you to glory? Jump into the comments and share your plans – I’d love to hear your scouting stories and help you build the ultimate FM26 dynasty.
