Time: 2025-10-16
EA FC 26's Career Mode delivers a more authentic and rewarding management experience. With enhanced gameplay and more ways to earn coins, building a club from the ground up is more engaging than ever. For any manager, smart recruitment is the key to success, and nothing is smarter than securing top talent without paying a transfer fee.
Free agents—players without a club—are the secret weapon for any manager working with a tight budget. This guide will walk you through the five best free agents to target at the start of your save, along with essential tips to master the market.
The Top 5 Must-Sign Free Agents in EA FC 26
Here are the best free agents available at the launch of your Career Mode save, offering immediate quality and value.
1. Memphis Depay (ST, CAM)
While in real life he might be with a club, in your save, Depay is a game-changing free agent. He brings elite technical skills, including superb dribbling and powerful shooting, making him a dominant force in the early seasons. He's the perfect star to build your attack around.
2. Jesús Orozco Chiquete (CB)
A young Mexican centre-back with immense potential. Orozco's strengths are his physical presence, defensive awareness, and standing tackle. While not the quickest, his defensive intelligence makes him a rock-solid addition for years to come.
3. Hakim Ziyech (RW, CAM)
The former Chelsea wizard offers incredible creativity. With his exceptional passing and dribbling, he can be the chief playmaker in your team. Consider deploying him centrally as an attacking midfielder to maximize his vision and mitigate his declining pace.
4. Luis Malagón (GK)
If your budget is stretched thin, Malagón is a reliable and affordable solution in goal. He boasts agile reflexes and solid goalkeeping stats, providing a secure last line of defense without breaking the bank.
5. Akram Afif (LW, ST)
This Qatari international is a versatile and exciting attacker. With blistering pace, 4-star skill moves, and a 4-star weak foot, he can effectively play on the left wing or as a striker, offering tactical flexibility and direct goal threat.
More valuable free agent options include:
Romain Saïss (CB - 79 OVR)
Krzysztof Piątek (ST - 78 OVR)
Alexis Vega (LW - 78 OVR)
Roberto Alvarado (RM - 78 OVR)
Germán Berterame (ST - 78 OVR)
Pro Scouting Tips: Navigating the Free Agent Market
Knowing where the market is thin is as important as knowing the top names. Here are key positions with limited free agent options:
Full-Backs: This is the most scarce area. While veterans like Mattia De Sciglio (RB) are available, young talent is almost non-existent.
Defensive Midfield (CDM): Beyond the young Erik Lira, options are limited to older players like Oriol Romeu.
How to Find Free Agents in EA FC 26
Use the Player Search feature and apply the "Contract Length" filter, setting it to "0-1 years" to find all upcoming free agents. You can also create a scouting assignment to find players with expiring contracts, giving you a head start on the competition.
Fuel Your Club's Rise to Glory
While free agents are the smartest way to build your squad, having a strong financial foundation allows you to act fast in the transfer market. For a quick and secure boost to your club's funds, you can buy EA FC 26 Coins at MMOMAX. This allows you to complement your free agent signings with key paid transfers, accelerating your path to building a dynasty.
With this guide, you're equipped to make savvy, cost-effective signings that will form the core of a successful Career Mode team. Happy managing