If you’re looking to stretch your transfer budget in EA Sports FC 26 Career Mode, signing free agents is one of the smartest moves you can make — especially if you’re managing a smaller club or rebuilding a struggling team. Free agents cost nothing in transfer fees and can often be sold later for pure profit, making them essential for a long-term save.
While wages and signing-on fees still apply, the best free agents in FC 26 can save clubs millions, freeing up cash for other areas of the squad. And with the new scouting and contract features this year, unearthing top free talent is easier than ever.
How Free Agents Work in FC 26 Career Mode
At the start of Career Mode, most big-name players are already tied to clubs, but some remain without teams — either because they signed too late in real life or their clubs aren’t featured in the game. These players can provide crucial depth for the first season of a Road to Glory campaign.
Keep in mind:
- Disabling the first transfer window prevents you from signing free agents immediately.
- Potential ratings can now be seen in scouting reports, giving you better insight before signing.
Best Free Agents in FC 26 (Initial Squads)
- Memphis Depay – ST – 31 – Peak
- Luis Malagón – GK – 28 – 79–84
- Romain Saïss – CB – 35 – Decline
- Roberto Alvarado – RM – 26 – 78–81
- Akram Afif – LM – 28 – Peak
- Hakim Ziyech – RM – 32 – Decline
- Alexis Vega – LW – 27 – Peak
- Krzysztof Piątek – ST – 30 – Peak
- Guilherme – CDM – 34 – Decline
- Diego Lainez – RM – 25 – 76–79
- Alejandro Zendejas – RM – 27 – Peak
- Edmilson Junior – LW – 30 – Peak
- Carlos Rodríguez – CAM – 28 – Peak
- Toni Fruk – CAM – 24 – 78–84
- Jesús Gallardo – LB – 30 – Peak
- Marcel Ruiz – CM – 24 – 79–85
- Luis Romo – CM – 30 – Peak
- Israel Reyes – RB – 25 – 78–84
- César Montes – CB – 28 – 75–79
- Victor Lindelöf – CB – 30 – Peak
- Almonez Ali – ST – 28 – Peak
- Jesús Angulo – CB – 27 – 74–80
- Ianis Hagi – CAM – 26 – 74–79
- Ángel Sepúlveda – ST – 34 – Decline
- Tarik Tissoudali – ST – 32 – Decline
- Matt Turner – GK – 31 – Peak
- Orozco Chiquete – CB – 23 – 81–87
- Mateusz Bogusz – LW – 23 – 76–82
- Jawad El Yamiq – CB – 33 – Decline
- Jorge Sánchez – RB – 27 – 73–75
- Erik Lira – CDM – 25 – 78–84
- Jan Kliment – ST – 31 – Peak
- Oleksandr Nazarenko – LM – 25 – 72–74
- Raúl Rangel – GK – 25 – 73–79
- Mykhailichenko – LB – 28 – Peak
- Oleksiy Hutsuliak – RM – 27 – Peak
- Tom Lawrence – CAM – 31 – Peak
- Fredrik Jensen – CAM – 27 – 72–74
- Paweł Dawidowicz – CB – 30 – Peak
- Efraín Álvarez – RM – 23 – 75–81
- Attiat-Allah – LB – 30 – Peak
- Al Haydos – RM – 34 – Decline
- Stuart Armstrong – CM – 33 – Decline
- Karim Boudiaf – CM – 34 – Decline
- Boualem Khoukhi – CB – 34 – Decline
- Marko Pjaca – LW – 30 – Peak
- Jóhann Guðmundsson – RM – 34 – Decline
- Richard Ofori – GK – 31 – Peak
- Grant Hanley – CB – 33 – Decline
Young Free Agents With High Potential
For those building toward the future, these younger players can develop into first-team stars:
- Ross McCausland – RM – 22 – Potential (76–82)
- Lewis Koumas – RM – 19 – Potential (79–85)
- Patrik Gunnarsson – GK – 24 – Potential (72–78)
- Tomas Galvez – LB – 20 – Potential (73–79)
- Jassem Gaber – CB – 23 – Potential (73–77)
- Milan Vitalis – CM – 23 – Potential (72–78)
How To Find Free Agents in Future Seasons
Contracts expire constantly in FC 26, meaning new free agents appear every year. To stay ahead:
- Create Scout Instructions:
Set parameters for players with 0–1 years left on their contracts. - Fully Scout Them:
Add any promising players to your shortlist to monitor contract status. - Approach to Sign (Pre-Contract):
When January 1st arrives, you can offer pre-contract deals to players in the last six months of their contracts.
Tip: Always renew your own key players’ contracts early to avoid losing them for free.
Bottom Line
Whether you’re rebuilding a fallen giant or guiding a League Two underdog, free agents are your best ally in EA Sports FC 26 Career Mode. With smart scouting, timing, and a bit of negotiation skill, you can assemble a competitive squad without spending a penny in transfer fees.
