With the release of Football Manager 2021 creating a real buzz among the football gaming community, fans of the game have been offering up their early suggestions on who the best players to sign are or who the wonder kids worth investing in could be. There’s so much detail to the game, though, that new information is always surfacing.
One aspect of the game that many new managers have always looked to exploit is by signing free agents. There’s usually a large choice of unattached players as soon as you start a new game. It appears to the same in the latest version of the game alongside a host of new and improved features, according to Miles Jacobson. There’s an abundance of talent out there too, alongside the obvious option of picking up a bargain as unattached players don’t cost anything in terms of a transfer fee.
Of course, some free agents can be past their best, but you can unearth a gem or two too, or even reinvigorate the career of a player who is in desperate need of a bit of love and attention. It’s always satisfying to reinvigorate a talented player as part of your FM strategy.
Not every single free agent signing works out, though. The fact is, they’re generally free agents for a reason. Perhaps they’re getting on a bit, or maybe injuries have caught up with them. But given the fact that signing a free agent comes with little risk attached, most managers tend to make use of the free-agent market and add a few free options to their respective squads.
Who are the free agents worth looking at in Football Manager 2021, though? Here’s a look at some of the early contenders that might be worth adding to your team.
Heurelho Gomes
We’re starting with a true veteran here at the age of 39, but goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes could be an excellent back-up option for a number of clubs, especially those in the Championship. A vice-captaincy candidate too, perhaps?
Orjan Nyland
If you’re managing Manchester United or Liverpool, then you probably aren’t going to be interested in Orjan Nyland, but smaller sides might be. The former Premier League goalkeeper would be a solid signing for most Championship clubs, that’s for sure.
Antonio Valencia
Former Wigan and Manchester United player Antonio Valencia has been snapped up by several admirers already in the game. At the age of 34, the Ecuadorian tends to want a bit of company at a club though, usually in the shape of a former teammate. His agent also recommends sending him on an intensive language course, too.
Ezequiel Garay
A former Football Manager favorite, Ezequiel Garay is one of the most attractive free-agent options on the game. The experienced center-back is 33, wants playing time, and has solid stats compared to most. He’d be a good addition to most Premier League sides.
Jack Wilshere
Injury issues have plagued Jack Wilshere’s career, therefore making him an injury risk on the game too. Still, if you can keep him fit, at the age of 28 he could have his peak years ahead of him.
Wellington Nem
He wants big wages, but Wellington Nem would be a shrewd addition to many sides. Operating anywhere behind the striker, Nem is a solid squad player to sign up.
Samir Nasri
A player of undoubted talent, Nasri has had problems fitting in at most clubs. Every player is a bit of a gamble, and Nasri’s attitude makes him as unpredictable as a spin of the roulette wheel at the site, casino.com - online betting and gambling in the UK. At 33, he is not the Nasri of old, but he still possesses enough trickery and guile to be a worthy addition to your FML squad – if his head is right.
Daniel Sturridge
A class act when he gets some game time, injuries have wrecked Sturridge’s chances of being counted a great footballer. He scored 50 Premier League goals for Liverpool in just over 100 games, and he bagged 4 in 11 at his most recent spell in Turkey. At 31, he still has something to give.
Other free agents worth looking at are Renato Santos, Alen Halilovic, Mario Mandzukic, Fabio Borini, Alexandre Pato, and Mario Balotelli.
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