From Rangers to Parma – the ultimate FM26 redemption saves for managers who
love rebuilding fallen clubs from the ashes.
Some football clubs never truly die – they just wait to rise again. In Football Manager 2026, a “phoenix club” save is the purest form of redemption story – where passion, patience, and pride collide. These are teams that were torn apart by financial collapse, mismanagement, or sheer bad luck, only to claw their way back up through the football pyramid.
From Rangers reclaiming Scotland to Parma’s rebirth in Serie A, these saves aren’t about instant trophies – they’re about rebuilding legacies, restoring faith, and proving that history can be rewritten.
If you’re tired of managing superclubs with unlimited budgets, dive into these 12 phoenix club saves that embody the spirit of football – resilience, rebirth, and redemption.
AFC Wimbledon
Transfer budget: £65K
Wage budget: £60K per week
Difficulty rating: 4/5
Few clubs embody the phoenix spirit quite like AFC Wimbledon. Born from the ashes of the original Wimbledon FC after their controversial relocation to Milton Keynes, this fan-owned club represents everything pure about English football. Now competing in Sky Bet League One, Wimbledon are back on the rise with a modest but loyal fanbase and a brand-new home – the Cherry Red Records Stadium.
With Joe Lewis marshalling the defence and Marcus Browne adding creativity in attack, the squad is built for grit and hard work. Facilities are below average, but the atmosphere is second to none – this is a club that breathes passion.
Top tip: Extend Browne’s contract early and consider cashing in on fringe players to boost your limited transfer kitty. A structured 5-2-2-1 setup fits the squad well, and a realistic goal for your first season is to avoid relegation while building a foundation for future promotion.
Parma Calcio 1913
Transfer budget: £11M
Wage budget: £511K per week
Difficulty rating: 2/5
Parma Calcio 1913 is the ultimate redemption story in Italian football. After financial collapse and relegation to Serie D in 2015, the Crociati rose through the divisions to reclaim their spot in Serie A. They’re now rebuilding stability under new management with a blend of exciting youth and experienced heads.
Led by Enrico Delprato at the back and Adrián Bernabé pulling the strings in midfield, Parma have a talented squad capable of mid-table comfort or a surprise European push. With excellent training facilities and a modernised Mutti Training Center, you’ve got the tools to restore glory days reminiscent of their 90s success.
Top tip: Build your side around Bernabé’s playmaking and keep hold of Zion Suzuki – his development could save you millions in the long run. A balanced 5-3-2 formation fits the squad naturally, and finishing in the top half is a realistic first-season goal.
READ MORE: Complete breakdown of starting transfer & wage budgets in FM26 across 65 leagues
Cesena FC
Transfer budget: £1.5M
Wage budget: £186K per week
Difficulty rating: 3/5
Cesena FC is a classic phoenix story from Italian football. After the bankruptcy of AC Cesena in 2018, the club was reborn and quickly climbed back up to Serie B, where they now aim to re-establish their place among Italy’s elite. The club’s facilities are solid, with good training and great youth facilities, providing a strong base for long-term development.
The squad is led by prolific Albanian striker Cristian Shpendi, with veteran Michele Castagnetti controlling the midfield and Jonathan Klinsmann offering reliability between the posts. Cesena’s mix of youth and experience makes them ideal for a sustainable rebuild save.
Top tip: Lock Shpendi into a long-term deal early – he’s your ticket to promotion and a valuable asset if bigger clubs come calling. A 5-2-1-2 setup works best, and a top-six finish in Serie B is a realistic target for your first season.
Rangers FC
Transfer budget: £0
Wage budget: £577K per week
Difficulty rating: 2.5/5
Rangers FC are the definition of a phoenix story at the top level. After financial collapse in 2012 and being forced to restart from the Scottish Third Division, the Gers have reclaimed their place as one of the most successful and historic clubs in the world. Playing at the legendary Ibrox Stadium, Rangers boast excellent training and great youth facilities, setting the stage for another golden era.
With Nicolas Raskin dictating play in midfield, Mohamed Diomandé adding flair, and Jack Butland commanding the backline, this squad has both steel and creativity. The aim is clear – end Celtic’s dominance and reassert Rangers as Scotland’s premier force while going deep in Europe.
Top tip: Keep Raskin happy at all costs and invest in youth prospects like Bailey Rice from the U19s. A 4-3-3 setup maximises the team’s width and energy, and your goal should be nothing less than reclaiming the league title in your first season back on top.
READ MORE: Massive list of over 430 free agents waiting in FM26 – prime signings without cost
Fiorentina
Transfer budget: £14.7M
Wage budget: £1.36M per week
Difficulty rating: 3/5
Fiorentina are one of Italy’s most stylish phoenix stories. After bankruptcy in 2002, the club was reborn as ACF Fiorentina and stormed back to Serie A in just two years. Now, under Stefano Pioli, I Viola are aiming to re-establish themselves among Italy’s elite and finally deliver European glory to Florence. They boast state-of-the-art training and superb youth facilities – ideal for a long-term, youth-focused save.
With Moise Kean leading the line, David De Gea in goal, and Dodô flying down the right, this is a team packed with both experience and explosive flair. The addition of Robin Gosens adds balance on the left flank, creating a dynamic and aggressive setup.
Top tip: Kean’s wages are heavy, so structure performance-based clauses to protect your finances. Fiorentina shine in a 5-2-1-2 system with wing-backs bombing forward. A realistic goal is a top-six Serie A finish and a deep Europa League run.
Palermo FC
Transfer budget: £3.4M
Wage budget: £282K per week
Difficulty rating: 3.5/5
Palermo FC are one of the most romantic phoenix clubs in Italian football. After going bankrupt in 2019, the Sicilian side was reborn under the City Football Group banner and is now rebuilding smartly in Serie B. The famous Renzo Barbera Stadium still roars with passion, and with great training and good youth facilities, this save offers both heritage and ambition.
Under Filippo Inzaghi, the Rosanero play an attacking 5-2-1-2 setup led by the experienced Joel Pohjanpalo, creative engine Jacopo Segre, and reliable full-backs Tommaso Augello and Emmanuel Gyasi. Between the posts, Alfred Gomis provides a solid presence, though his wages may stretch your budget early on.
Top tip: Sell fringe keeper Gomis and reinvest in a young striker to rotate with Pohjanpalo. Palermo’s depth suits an aggressive press, and promotion to Serie A within two seasons is a realistic, satisfying challenge for any manager.
READ MORE: Top bargain players under £10 m in FM26 – our smart investments guide
Salford City
Transfer budget: £75K
Wage budget: £75.6K per week
Difficulty rating: 3/5
Salford City might not be a traditional phoenix club, but their rise from non-league obscurity to the Football League under the Class of ’92 ownership makes them a modern-day rebirth story. With the Neville brothers, Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs behind the project, the Ammies have ambition written all over them. The Peninsula Stadium is small but tidy, with average facilities that give you room to grow both on and off the pitch.
The current squad is led by Jorge Grant, a versatile creator in midfield, with Daniel Udoh offering physical presence up top and Michael Rose marshalling the backline. They’re compact, well-organised and built for League Two chaos.
Top tip: Offload ageing squad players early and reinvest in youth or smart loans. A 5-3-2 with wing-backs fits their style perfectly. Aim for the play-offs in season one, then target back-to-back promotions to bring this ambitious project closer to Manchester United’s shadow.
Chester FC
Transfer budget: £100K
Wage budget: £10K per week
Difficulty rating: 4/5
Chester FC are the perfect phoenix club story. Founded in 2010 by supporters after Chester City’s bankruptcy, the club rose from the ashes of financial collapse to rebuild its legacy the hard way. They play at the Deva Stadium, uniquely located on the England–Wales border, giving this save an extra bit of character and identity.
Under Calum McIntyre, the Seals boast a tight-knit squad led by captain Declan Weeks, young attacking talent Patrick Jones, and promising midfielder Fin Roberts. The facilities are basic but functional, making youth development a long-term challenge rather than a shortcut.
Top tip: Focus early on cup runs and smart loans to keep finances steady. A narrow 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 setup suits the squad’s strengths. Realistic target – push for the National League within two seasons and turn Chester into a true fan-owned success story once again.
READ MORE: Download the FM26 Facepack – upgrade your game with fresh player likenesses
Blackburn Rovers
Transfer budget: £300K
Wage budget: £297K per week
Difficulty rating: 3/5
Blackburn Rovers are a sleeping giant reborn in modern football. A club that once lifted the Premier League title in 1995 under Kenny Dalglish, Rovers have spent two decades battling financial issues and inconsistency. Yet with the right direction, this proud Lancashire side could once again rise from the ashes of mediocrity.
Led by Todd Cantwell in midfield, Ryoya Morishita out wide, and young prodigy Igor Tyjon ready to explode, this squad blends technical flair and youthful energy. Ewood Park remains one of England’s most iconic grounds, backed by superb training and youth facilities.
Top tip: Offload ageing depth and invest in youth – Blackburn’s academy can become elite with the right nurturing. Play a balanced 4-2-3-1 with Cantwell pulling the strings, and aim for promotion to finally bring Rovers back to the Premier League where they belong.
Darlington FC
Transfer budget: £70K
Wage budget: £9K per week
Difficulty rating: 4/5
Darlington FC are a textbook phoenix club, reborn from the ashes of financial collapse in 2012 when the original Darlington 1883 went bust. The supporters refused to let the club die, reforming it under fan ownership and fighting their way back up the English football pyramid. Now back in the National League North, the Quakers are ready for another rise.
Managed by Steve Watson and captained by veteran Scott Barrow, Darlington’s mix of experience and youth makes them an intriguing project. Winger Charlie Lennon brings pace and flair, while Will Hatfield anchors the midfield with leadership and work rate. The club’s Blackwell Meadows ground is modest but full of character.
Top tip: Prioritise defensive structure early – your young side will need discipline to grind out results. Keep an eye on free agents to add depth. With smart management, promotion to the National League within two seasons is a realistic and rewarding challenge.
READ MORE: Best wonderkids in FM26 – ranked by PA, asking price & position
SV Austria Salzburg
Transfer budget: £50K
Wage budget: £20K per week
Difficulty rating: 3.5/5
SV Austria Salzburg are the ultimate phoenix club success story. Founded in 2005 by fans after Red Bull’s controversial takeover and rebranding of the original club, they represent football purity and local pride in its rawest form. Starting from the amateur divisions, Austria Salzburg have battled their way back to the Austrian First Division with limited resources but massive spirit.
Under Christian Schaider, the Mozartstädter play an attractive, attacking brand of football. Winger Marinko Sorda is the creative spark, Christian Gebauer brings pace and width, while teenage striker Timo Kulterer could be the next homegrown gem to lead their renaissance. Their Austria Stadion may only hold 1,500 fans, but it’s filled with purple passion every week.
Top tip: Build around your youth setup and avoid financial overreach. Focus on free transfers and domestic loans. A top-half finish is realistic, but with a clever manager, promotion dreams aren’t far-fetched – this is a club that’s literally risen from the ashes before.
Girondins de Bordeaux
Transfer budget: £0
Wage budget: £0
Difficulty rating: 4.5/5
FC Girondins de Bordeaux are one of France’s most historic clubs, now living through the darkest chapter in their 143-year existence. Once Ligue 1 champions and European contenders, Les Girondins have fallen to the French National 2 after financial collapse and administrative relegation. The Matmut Atlantique remains an immaculate 42,000-seater ghost of past glories.
New boss Bruno Irles must rebuild from the ruins, leaning on veterans like Eric Vandenabeele and Oualid El Hajjam for stability, with goalkeeper Jan Hoekstra offering reliability between the posts. Despite semi-professional status, the club retains great training and youth facilities—a platform to rise again.
Top tip: Slash the wage bill fast and promote youth. Target immediate promotion to stabilise finances. Use your elite infrastructure to dominate National 2 and restore the pride of a club that once ruled France. This is a long-term resurrection save – exactly the kind of challenge FM purists crave.
READ MORE: Best wonderkids in FM26 – ranked by PA, asking price & position
Boavista SAD
Transfer budget: £0
Wage budget: £0
Difficulty rating: 5/5
Boavista SAD are one of Portugal’s most fascinating rebuild projects. Once a top-flight staple and surprise Primeira Liga champions in 2001, the Panthers from Porto have struggled to stay consistent in recent years, bouncing between divisions. Now semi-professional and licking their wounds after relegation, Boavista offer a gritty redemption challenge steeped in history and pride.
Goalkeeper César is the standout performer, while Tiago Machado has the finishing ability to fire you back up the table. In midfield, Tomás Oliveira is the playmaker capable of controlling games with his passing and technique. Their Estádio do Bessa Século XXI is a 30,000-capacity fortress waiting for European nights again.
Top tip: Lean on Boavista’s solid training setup and recruit smartly from Brazil and lower Portuguese leagues. Keep your wage structure tight, blood a few youngsters, and within two seasons you could restore Boavista to the top tier – right where the black-and-white chequers belong.
Final Thoughts
Rebuilding a phoenix club in Football Manager 2026 isn’t just about climbing the leagues - it’s about rewriting history and proving that passion outlasts money. Whether you’re reviving Parma’s Serie A dreams, restoring Boavista’s pride, or guiding Chester’s fan-owned rise, every win feels earned.
Before you dive into your next FM26 save, make sure you’ve installed the FM26 Real Name Fix to ensure every club and competition is authentic, and explore the FM26 Save Ideas Hub for more inspiration on your next big career. If you want to stay within the rules across every nation, don’t forget to check out the Squad Rules Companion – your essential guide to squad registration limits and non-EU restrictions.
So, pick your club, embrace the chaos, and start your FM26 journey where legends are reborn, not bought.
