Free agents aren’t leftovers. They’re opportunities. they’re experienced players, leaders, utility pieces, and sometimes straight-up game changers just waiting for a contract to run out. In FC 26 Career Mode, where transfer budgets can be tight and AI clubs are more aggressive than ever, smart managers don’t just scout wonderkids — they stalk the free-agent list like hawks. here are ten of the best free agents in FC 26 Career Mode and why they deserve your attention.
Buy cheap FIFA 26 Coins easily, safely and trusted deals.
Best Agents In FC 26 Career Mode
10. Diego Lainez – The Chaos Dribbler
Lainez plays like a live wire. He’s unpredictable, slippery, and a nightmare for defenders when he finds space. His close control and quick movements make him incredibly hard to track.
Best strengths
- Dribbling
- Agility
- Acceleration
- Flair
He often hits free agency because he struggles for consistency at club level. In Career Mode, that’s your opportunity. With game time and trust, Lainez can turn into a dangerous attacker.
9. Germán Berterame – The Relentless Forward
Berterame is intensity personified. He presses defenders, makes smart runs, and never stops working.
Best strengths
- Work rate
- Finishing
- Movement
- Physical strength
He’s frequently available due to contract situations and league moves, making him perfect for rebuilding squads that need energy up front.
8. Edmilson Junior – The Utility Weapon
Edmilson can play wide or central and understands both attacking and defensive responsibilities.
Best strengths
- Versatility
- Ball control
- Tactical awareness
- Passing
He’s invaluable when your squad is thin or transitioning. Plug him anywhere and he’ll do a job.
7. Romain Saïss – The Calm Leader
Saïss brings composure, leadership, and excellent game reading from the back.
Best strengths
- Defensive awareness
- Strength
- Leadership
- Positioning
His age and expiring contracts often push him into free agency. That’s a gift for managers needing instant defensive stability.
6. Érik Lira – The Balance Keeper
Lira is the midfielder who keeps everything from becoming chaotic. He holds shape, keeps possession, and makes smart decisions.
Best strengths
- Positioning
- Passing accuracy
- Tactical discipline
- Composure
He’s rarely flashy, but always reliable — the kind of player every balanced system needs.
5. Alexis Vega – The Creative Spark
Vega thrives when given freedom. He’s confident, expressive, and capable of changing games with moments of brilliance.
Best strengths
- Dribbling
- Creativity
- Shooting
- Flair
Contract expirations often make him available. You get elite attacking quality without paying elite money.
4. Akram Afif – The Silent Playmaker
Afif links midfield and attack smoothly. His vision and awareness make everyone around him better.
Best strengths
- Vision
- Passing
- Ball control
- Decision-making
He may not come from a “big” league, but in Career Mode he becomes a chance-creation machine.
3. Martin Fruk – The Engine Room
Fruk brings stamina, energy, and constant support in both attack and defense.
Best strengths
- Stamina
- Ball control
- Work rate
- Versatility
Smart managers turn his contract situation into a long-term starting role.
2. Marcel Ruiz – The Tempo Master
Ruiz understands positioning and tempo better than most midfielders. He balances your shape and controls the rhythm.
Best strengths
- Composure
- Passing
- Awareness
- Tactical intelligence
He’s the kind of midfielder you don’t notice — until you play without him.
1. Memphis Depay – The Crown Jewel
Depay is the ultimate free-agent signing. Leadership, creativity, finishing, experience — he transforms attacks immediately.
Best strengths
- Finishing
- Ball control
- Creativity
- Leadership
He’s the rare free agent who feels like a marquee signing.
Free Agents in Season One
| # | Player | Position | Nation (Rating) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Memphis Depay | ST | Netherlands (81) |
| 2 | Romain Saïss | CB | Morocco (79) |
| 3 | Luis Malagón | GK | Mexico (79) |
| 4 | Erick Sánchez | CM | Mexico (78) |
| 5 | Hakim Ziyech | RM | Morocco (78) |
| 6 | Alexis Vega | LW | Mexico (78) |
| 7 | Akram Afif | LM | Qatar (78) |
| 8 | Krzysztof Piątek | ST | Poland (78) |
| 9 | Germán Berterame | ST | Mexico (78) |
| 10 | Roberto Alvarado | RM | Mexico (78) |
| 11 | Guilherme | CDM | Qatar (77) |
| 12 | Oriol Romeu | CM | Spain (76) |
| 13 | Mattia De Sciglio | RB | Italy (75) |
| 14 | Dele Alli | CM | England (71) |
| 15 | Patrick Bamford | ST | England (71) |
| 16 | Jamal Lewis | LB | Northern Ireland (68) |
FC 26’s new contract logic means top players hit free agency less often. You must act fast.
Depay is the standout. Ziyech, Romeu, and Piątek are also incredible value if you move quickly.
Best Free Agents in Season Two (The Jackpot Window)
January of Season Two is where things get wild. Big contracts expire. Elite players appear.
| # | Player | Position | Nation (Rating) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Robert Lewandowski | ST | Poland (88) |
| 2 | Frenkie de Jong | CDM | Netherlands (87) |
| 3 | Mike Maignan | GK | France (87) |
| 4 | Ibrahima Konaté | CB | France (86) |
| 5 | Antonio Rüdiger | CB | Germany (86) |
| 6 | Dayot Upamecano | CB | France (86) |
| 7 | Sergej Milinković-Savić | CM | Serbia (84) |
| 8 | Bernardo Silva | CM | Portugal (84) |
| 9 | Rúben Neves | CDM | Portugal (84) |
| 10 | Julian Brandt | CAM | Germany (83) |
| 11 | Marc Guéhi | CB | England (82) |
| 12 | Dušan Vlahović | ST | Serbia (82) |
| 13 | Leon Goretzka | CM | Germany (82) |
| 14 | Serge Gnabry | RM | Germany (82) |
| 15 | Andrew Robertson | LB | Scotland (82) |
| 16 | John Stones | CB | England (82) |
| 17 | Rodrigo Bentancur | CM | Uruguay (80) |
| 18 | Casemiro | CDM | Brazil (80) |
| 19 | Quinten Timber | CM | Netherlands (80) |
| 20 | Harry Maguire | CB | England (80) |
| 21 | Franck Kessié | CDM | Ivory Coast (80) |
If you prepare early, this window can completely transform your squad for free.
How to Sign Players on Contract Expiry
- Open Career Mode
- Go to Transfer Center
- In January, search the player
- Select Approach to Sign
- Negotiate the contract
You bypass the club and secure the player for free at season’s end.
Remember: free transfer ≠ free player. Wages, squad role, and playtime promises matter.
How to Find Free Agents in Any Season
- Use player search and filter for free agents
- Scout players with no club to reveal full stats
- Track expiring contracts early and build a shortlist
Act early. Smart managers don’t wait for the new season — they plan months ahead.
Conclusion
Free agents in FC 26 Career Mode aren’t backups — they’re smart signings. With the right timing and planning, you can add experience, quality, and balance to your squad without spending a transfer fee. From solid leaders to game-changing attackers, these players can quietly transform your team.the smartest managers don’t spend more — they scout better and act faster.
