Build a promotion winning squad on a zero transfer budget with these 30
ruthless free agent signings in FM26.
You load up your first FM26 save, smash Continue a few times, open the finances screen... and your transfer budget looks suspiciously like your weekly takeaway money. Sound familiar
That is where free agents quietly win you seasons. No instalments, no board arguments, no pleading with the director of football - just pure value if you know where to look. The right free signing can turn a relegation candidate into a solid mid table side, or give a Champions League hopeful the depth it needs to survive a brutal winter schedule.
In this guide we are hunting for exactly those players. The lads who walk through the door for nothing and instantly look far too good for your level. Some are experienced pros who still have one more big season in the tank, others are smart pick ups you can polish and flip for profit a year or two down the line.
All of them share one thing - they are available as free agents at the start of your FM26 save, and they can make a genuine difference from day one. Whether you are rebuilding a fallen giant or trying to drag a small club into the big time, these are the 30 free transfers you should be shortlisting immediately.
Let us walk through the 30 best FM26 free agents to sign at the start of your save, and what each of them actually brings to your squad.
Jean - Goalkeeper - 29 - Brazil
Jean is a commanding free agent goalkeeper who brings a strong blend of reflexes, bravery and communication to your back line. With solid one on ones, good handling and a 188 cm frame, he is reliable when shots are flying in and crosses are whipped across the box. His decent passing and kicking make him comfortable enough to play out from the back, while his high eccentricity means you will occasionally get some wild moments when he leaves his line. Ideal for ambitious mid table sides or promotion chasers who need an instant number one without paying a transfer fee.
Đorde Nikolić - Goalkeeper - 28 - Serbia
Nikolić is a towering 195 cm goalkeeper who dominates his area through sheer presence and outstanding jumping reach. Strong handling, solid one on ones and very brave decision making make him a dependable last line of defence, especially against crosses and set pieces. With good rushing out and decent command of area, he suits a higher defensive line where you need your keeper to sweep up danger. He is not an elite distributor, but if you keep his passing simple he will give you calm, no nonsense security between the posts.
Mário Rui - Left Back / Wing Back - 34 - Portugal
Mário Rui arrives as a ready made attacking full back for clubs chasing European spots or titles. His excellent crossing, first touch and passing mean he can consistently deliver from wide areas, while his set piece ability adds an extra threat from corners and free kicks. Mentally he is aggressive, hardworking and composed, with the experience of international football behind him. He will not win many aerial duels due to his height, so pair him with a dominant left sided centre back and let him bomb forward.
Javi Manquillo - Right Back / Wing Back - 31 - Spain
Manquillo is a reliable, all round right back who rarely lets you down on either side of the ball. He combines good tackling and marking with solid crossing and enough technique to support build up play. High work rate, determination and teamwork make him a great fit for pressing systems and hard working mid table sides. He will not be the star of your team, but he is exactly the kind of steady pro who quietly locks down a flank for several seasons.
Hugo Mallo - Right Back - 34 - Spain
Hugo Mallo is the veteran warrior type of full back, bringing leadership and a fantastic mentality to any dressing room. With brave tackling, strong positioning and excellent work rate, he thrives in a more conservative role where he can focus on defending first. His physicals are still respectable, but you should not expect him to overlap relentlessly for 90 minutes every three days. Use him as a starting right back in weaker leagues or as experienced depth and a potential captain in stronger squads.
Jason Denayer - Centre Back - 30 - Belgium
Denayer is a powerful, athletic centre back who loves the physical battle with opposition strikers. Strong heading, tackling and positioning, backed by 16 strength, make him dominant in duels and very effective at defending your box. He has enough pace and anticipation to cope with balls in behind, even if he is not truly rapid. On the ball he is more functional than creative, so pair him with a more cultured partner if you want to build from the back.
Jorge Meré - Centre Back - 28 - Spain
Jorge Meré is a smart, anticipation based defender who reads the game at a high level. With excellent anticipation, positioning and solid tackling, he steps in to intercept danger before it develops. His passing and technique are good enough to play in a more possession heavy side, making him a natural fit for a ball playing defender role at mid to upper level clubs. Physically he is steady rather than spectacular, so surround him with pace or keep your defensive line sensible.
Renan Lodi - Left Back / Wing Back - 27 - Brazil
Renan Lodi is an outstanding attacking wing back and arguably one of the best value free agents in FM26. Elite crossing, dribbling and technique, combined with strong acceleration and agility, make him a constant threat when driving down the left flank. His mentals are well rounded, with good composure and decision making so he rarely wastes promising situations. He is lighter physically and not the most dominant defender in tight spaces, so give him cover behind and let him hurt teams in the final third.
Sergio Reguilón - Left Back - 28 - Spain
Reguilón offers a brilliant mix of pace, work rate and aggression down the left for any side that wants to play on the front foot. His acceleration and pace allow him to overlap repeatedly, while solid crossing and tackling make him effective in both attacking and defensive phases. High anticipation, bravery and determination mean he presses with real intensity and recovers quickly when out of position. He is a perfect fit for high tempo, high pressing systems in top divisions or ambitious promotion chasers.
Jamal Lewis - Left Back / Wing Back - 27 - Northern Ireland
Jamal Lewis is a modern, athletic full back with superb natural fitness and pace, ideal for sides that demand constant running up and down the flank. His technicals are tidy rather than spectacular, but with decent crossing and dribbling he can still provide width and simple delivery from advanced areas. Strong work rate, teamwork and professionalism make him a coach’s dream and a good influence on younger players. With game time and a clear role, he can be a long term solution at left back for mid table top flight teams.
Oriol Romeu - Defensive Midfielder - 33 - Spain
Oriol Romeu is the classic destroyer in front of your back four - the player who makes everyone else’s life easier. Elite mentals such as positioning, teamwork, work rate and determination, combined with strong tackling and strength, make him a superb shield against counters. He keeps his passing simple but reliable, recycling possession and allowing more creative players to take risks further forward. Age means he will not cover every blade of grass, yet used as a holding midfielder in a compact shape he can still be one of the smartest free signings you make.
Lucas Pérez - Attacking Midfielder / Striker - 36 - Spain
Lucas Pérez is a classy veteran forward who can operate as a second striker or lead the line. With excellent technique, finishing and penalty taking, he is ruthless inside the box and calm from the spot. His vision and passing let him drop off and link play, making him ideal in a false nine or advanced forward role for possession sides. Age means he will not sprint past defences for 90 minutes, but used smartly he is a lethal difference maker in tight games.
Christian Rivera - Defensive Midfielder - 27 - Spain
Christian Rivera is a towering holding midfielder who brings real physical presence and reading of the game to the base of your midfield. Strong positioning, tackling and anticipation make him excellent at breaking up counter attacks and screening the back four. On the ball he is tidy, with good technique and enough vision to play progressive passes when space opens up. He is perfect for mid table or promotion chasing clubs that need a proper anchor man in front of the defence.
Grzegorz Krychowiak - Defensive Midfielder - 35 - Poland
Krychowiak is the classic enforcer, combining aggression, bravery and strength with years of international experience. His tackling, marking and positioning are all strong, turning him into a wall in front of your centre backs. Mentally he is elite, with leadership and determination that lift the standards of those around him. Pace is fading, so keep your defensive line sensible and let him dominate the central third with his brain and physicality.
Jaime Seoane - Central Midfielder - 28 - Spain
Seoane is a technically gifted central midfielder who thrives in possession heavy systems. With excellent first touch, passing and technique, he keeps the ball moving and can unlock defences with clever through balls. His work rate and stamina are solid, allowing him to contribute defensively as a roaming playmaker or box to box option. He is a great free pick for clubs looking to add creativity without sacrificing structure in the middle of the park.
Favio Álvarez - Attacking Midfielder - 32 - Argentina
Favio Álvarez is a nimble, inventive playmaker who can operate across the attacking midfield line. Strong dribbling, technique and long shots make him a constant threat between the lines, especially when allowed to drift into pockets of space. His vision and passing help him slide teammates in behind, while his set piece delivery adds another route to goal. Physically he is not explosive, so surround him with runners and let him pull the strings.
Dele Alli - Central / Attacking Midfielder - 29 - England
Dele Alli is the ultimate high risk, high reward free agent in FM26. Mentally he still has great flair, off the ball movement and anticipation, allowing him to arrive late in the box and find dangerous spaces. With strong technique, dribbling and finishing, he can be devastating as a shadow striker or advanced midfielder in the right system. If you can manage his confidence and give him a clearly defined role, he can feel like a cut price superstar.
Kimi Merk - Attacking Midfielder - 21 - Kyrgyzstan
Kimi Merk is one of the most intriguing young free agents you will find, offering real upside at just 21. His technique, dribbling and vision are all impressive, and he already has full international experience which boosts his mentality. With good work rate and stamina, he can press from the front while still producing creative moments in the final third. Give him minutes as an attacking midfielder or advanced playmaker and you could develop a long term bargain.
Giacomo Bonaventura - Central / Attacking Midfielder - 35 - Italy
Bonaventura is a complete, experienced midfielder who can do a bit of everything at a high level. Excellent technique, passing and vision combine with strong long shots and set piece ability, making him a threat from open play and dead balls alike. His mentals are outstanding, with professionalism, work rate and decision making that stabilise younger squads. He is best used as a creative eight or advanced playmaker in a slightly deeper role where his brain does the running.
Hakim Ziyech - Right Winger - 32 - Morocco
Ziyech is a marquee free transfer who brings world class left foot quality from the right flank. With elite technique, passing, vision and long shots, he can single handedly change games by drifting inside and whipping shots or killer balls into the box. His set piece delivery is devastating, instantly upgrading your corners and free kicks. He is not the hardest worker defensively, so give him licence to roam and build your attacking patterns around his creativity.
Paco Alcácer - Striker - 31 - Spain
Paco Alcácer is a classic penalty box poacher with razor sharp movement and first time finishing. Strong composure, off the ball and anticipation mean he constantly finds space between centre backs and punishes even half chances. While he lacks elite pace and aerial dominance, his instincts and positioning more than compensate inside the area. Put him ahead of good creators and he will quietly rack up 15 to 20 goals a season on a free transfer.
Rodrigo Conceição - Right Back / Right Winger - 25 - Portugal
Rodrigo Conceição is an aggressive, high energy wide player who can cover the whole right flank. With good crossing, dribbling and technique, he is comfortable driving forward as a wing back or more advanced wide midfielder. His aggression, bravery and work rate make him a relentless presser who suits intense, front foot systems. Give him space to overlap and you will get tireless running and constant deliveries into the box.
Ibrahima Niane - Striker - 26 - Senegal
Niane is a powerful centre forward who thrives on running in behind and bullying centre backs. Strong finishing, heading and off the ball movement mean he is a real threat from crosses and through balls alike. With good pace, strength and jumping reach, he can play as a complete forward at mid level clubs or a target man for more direct sides. If you create chances for him, he will score decisively and often.
Nathan Redmond - Winger - 31 - England
Nathan Redmond is a versatile winger who can play on either flank and stretch defences with his direct running. His dribbling, technique and long shots make him dangerous when cutting inside, while decent crossing allows him to supply team mates from wide areas. High work rate and off the ball movement mean he fits pressing styles and will not hide out of possession. He is a smart pick for sides needing an experienced wide threat who can still beat full backs one v one.
Majeed Waris - Striker - 33 - Ghana
Majeed Waris is a rapid forward with explosive acceleration and pace who thrives on exploiting space behind defences. Good dribbling, finishing and off the ball movement allow him to run channels and get into dangerous shooting positions. He is at his best in counter attacking teams where you can release him early and often. Do not expect him to dominate aerially, but on the ground he is a constant menace for slower back lines.
Sada Thioub - Right Midfielder / Winger - 30 - Senegal
Thioub is a physically strong, hard running wide midfielder who brings real work rate and power to the right flank. With solid dribbling, crossing and long shots, he contributes in the final third while still tracking back diligently. His stamina, strength and pace make him ideal for systems that demand defensive shifts from wide players. He may not be the most refined technician, but he is a nightmare for opposition full backs over ninety minutes.
Cristian Tello - Winger - 33 - Spain
Cristian Tello is a technically excellent winger who offers quality delivery and clever movement on either side. His dribbling, technique and first touch are all high, allowing him to beat defenders and create space for cutbacks or crosses. With good pace and acceleration he can still get away from markers even in his thirties. He is a great option for teams that want a reliable, experienced wide creator rather than a pure speed merchant.
Benito - Left Midfielder / Winger - 29 - Spain
Benito is a well rounded left sided midfielder who combines tidy technical skills with strong athleticism. Solid crossing, dribbling and long shots make him a threat cutting inside or going down the line, while his agility and pace help him beat opponents in small spaces. He also works hard without the ball, with decent work rate and stamina, so he can handle defensive duties in a 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1. He is a smart squad piece for clubs that need balance rather than pure star power on the flank.
Henadii Synchuk - Right Winger / Inside Forward - 18 - Ukraine
Henadii Synchuk is an exciting teenage winger with the potential to grow into a top level attacking threat. Already boasting good dribbling, crossing and technique, he looks very comfortable carrying the ball at defenders. His physical profile is promising, with strong pace, stamina and natural fitness for such a young player. If you give him minutes and quality coaching, you could turn a free signing into a major asset or big money sale.
Diego Luna - Left Midfielder / Attacking Midfielder - 21 - USA
Diego Luna is a dynamic creative midfielder who loves to drive forward from the left half space. With excellent dribbling, technique and vision, he is capable of threading passes, carrying the ball through lines or cutting inside to shoot. Physically he is very sharp, combining high acceleration, agility and balance with great natural fitness. Use him as an advanced playmaker from the left or a roaming eight and build combinations around his energy and flair.
Franchu - Left Winger - 27 - Argentina
Franchu is a busy, industrious winger who mixes good technical ability with relentless movement. Strong dribbling, crossing and technique allow him to create from wide areas, while his stamina and work rate mean he never stops offering an outlet. Mentally he is determined and fairly unselfish, happy to run for the team and press opposition full backs. He is ideal for clubs needing a dependable starting left winger who will put in consistent seven out of ten performances.
Read also
- FM26 wonderkids ordered by potential ability, price and position for every type of save
- Best FM26 coaches, scouts and backroom staff to build an elite support team around your squad
- Football Manager tactics hub with downloadable FM26 tactics and step by step tactical guides
- FM26 save ideas hub packed with challenges, rebuilds and long term projects to try
Conclusion
Free agents are not just for desperate clubs with empty wallets - they are one of the sharpest tools you have in FM26 if you use them properly. Nail two or three of these signings early and you suddenly have depth, leadership and resale value without touching your transfer budget. Mix them with your best youngsters, keep an eye on their fitness and personalities, and you will squeeze every last drop of value out of them. Bookmark this list, scout them at the start of every new save, and stop letting your rivals hoover up all the smart free transfers while you stare sadly at a zero budget screen.
