EA FC 26 Career Mode: Best Free Agents to Sign Build a stronger squad on a budget with these must-sign free players in EA FC 26

If you’re managing on a shoestring budget in EA FC 26, free agents are your best friend. They don’t cost a transfer fee, yet many can walk straight into your starting XI.

Even if you’re managing a top club, free agents are perfect for adding squad depth and competition without draining your funds. From creative veterans to hidden young talents, there’s plenty of value waiting in the market this year.

Below are the best free agents you can sign in EA FC 26 Career Mode, starting with five standout players — followed by a full top-15 ranked list.

🌟 Top 5 Free Agents in EA FC 26

1️⃣ Memphis Depay

Position: ST | Overall: 81 | Potential: 81

Memphis Depay might now be playing for Corinthians in real life, but in EA FC 26, he’s up for grabs — and he’s easily one of the best free agents in the game.

Depay’s five-star skills, elite dribbling, and clinical finishing make him a game-changer for any squad. Smaller clubs can treat him as a marquee signing, while bigger ones can use him as a versatile impact sub or secondary striker.

2️⃣ Jesús Orozco Chiquete

Position: CB | Overall: 72 | Potential: 82

The Mexican center-back Jesús Orozco Chiquete offers immense long-term value. He may not be the fastest defender around, but his physicality, defensive awareness, and strength make him a rock at the back.

At just 23 years old, his potential maxes out at 82 — perfect for managers looking to build a future star on a tight budget.

3️⃣ Hakim Ziyech

Position: RM | Overall: 78 | Potential: 78

Former Chelsea playmaker Hakim Ziyech might not have the pace he once did, but his vision, passing, and technical flair still make him a deadly creative option.

With four-star skill moves and high dribbling stats, Ziyech shines best when moved into a central attacking midfielder role rather than staying wide. Ignore his weak foot — he’s still pure quality for free.

4️⃣ Luis Malagón

Position: GK | Overall: 79 | Potential: 82

If you’re low on funds and need a dependable goalkeeper, Luis Malagón is the perfect pickup.

Despite not being the tallest shot-stopper, he’s extremely reliable thanks to great reflexes, quick reactions, and the GK Cross Claimer PlayStyle, which gives him total control inside the box.

He’s a no-nonsense keeper who’ll save you both goals and money.

5️⃣ Akram Afif

Position: LM/ST/CAM | Overall: 78 | Potential: 78

Qatar’s own Akram Afif is another must-sign free agent in EA FC 26.

Fast, creative, and clinical, Afif boasts four-star skill moves and a four-star weak foot, allowing him to play anywhere across the attacking third. His ability to slot in as a winger, striker, or playmaker makes him one of the most versatile freebies available.

He’s quick, dynamic, and completely free — a perfect deal in any Career Mode save.

📋 Top 15 Free Agents in EA FC 26 (Ranked by Potential)

Jesús Orozco Chiquete
- Position: CB
- Age: 23
- Overall: 72
- Potential: 82
Marcel Ruiz
- Position: CM
- Age: 24
- Overall: 75
- Potential: 82
Luis Malagón
- Position: GK
- Age: 28
- Overall: 79
- Potential: 82
Erik Lira
- Position: CDM
- Age: 25
- Overall: 75
- Potential: 82
Germán Berterame
- Position: ST
- Age: 26
- Overall: 78
- Potential: 81
Erick Sánchez
- Position: CM
- Age: 25
- Overall: 78
- Potential: 81
Memphis Depay
- Position: ST
- Age: 31
- Overall: 81
- Potential: 81
Toni Fruk
- Position: CAM
- Age: 24
- Overall: 71
- Potential: 80
Romain Saïss
- Position: CB
- Age: 35
- Overall: 79
- Potential: 79
Ross McCausland
- Position: RM
- Age: 22
- Overall: 67
- Potential: 78
Roberto Alvarado
- Position: RM
- Age: 26
- Overall: 78
- Potential: 78
Akram Afif
- Position: LM
- Age: 28
- Overall: 78
- Potential: 78
Alexis Vega
- Position: LW
- Age: 27
- Overall: 78
- Potential: 78
Krzysztof Piątek
- Position: ST
- Age: 32
- Overall: 78
- Potential: 78
Hakim Ziyech
- Position: RM
- Age: 32
- Overall: 78
- Potential: 78

🧱 Harder Positions to Fill

While attacking and midfield roles have plenty of strong free agents, certain positions are much harder to reinforce without transfers.

🛡️ Full Backs

Options are limited. Tomas Galvez (LB, 20 years old, 60 OVR / 77 POT) is a long-term project, while Mattia De Sciglio (RB, 31 years old, 75 OVR) provides short-term stability and experience for teams that need a dependable veteran.

⚔️ Defensive Midfielders

Apart from Erik Lira, quality options are rare. Oriol Romeu (33 years old, 76 OVR) is a safe, steady pick — great for short-term cover, but don’t expect major growth.

🏁 Final Thoughts

Whether you’re rebuilding a lower-league squad or bolstering a top-tier roster, the free agent market in EA FC 26 Career Mode offers incredible value.

From veteran playmakers like Ziyech to rising stars like Orozco Chiquete, these players can transform your lineup without costing a penny.

Keep scouting the free transfer pool every few weeks — you never know when the next hidden gem might appear.