The latest entry in theFootball Managerseries has recently been released, and, as exemplified by its very positive86 Metascore on PC, the series retains its status among themost critically-acclaimed titles in management gaming. Along with tactical changes, training, and team selection, one of the many factors that players love about theFootball Managerseries is making transfers.
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Football Manager 22requires players to be more financially astute than in previous editions, as the financial impact of the pandemic means that most managers will have significantly less money to work with in the opening transfer window. Consequently, free agents are more important inFM22than ever before, making the following players tantalizing options.
7Jordon Ibe
25-year-old Jordon Ibe first burst onto the scene at Liverpool in the mid-2010s. The Englishman had a ton of expectations on his shoulders following Raheem Sterling’s move from Liverpool to Manchester City, as Ibe was being touted as Sterling’s ready-made replacement.
Unfortunately for Liverpool, Ibe didn’t fulfill these expectations, though they did receive a decent fee for him of £15 million ($20.1 million) from Bournemouth. Ibe’s time at Bournemouth was lackluster to say the least, and after a short spell atDerby County, the winger is now a free agent.
Despite his trend of failing to reach expectations, Ibe is still afantastic option for those who need a flair winger.Ibe’s poor work rate of 6 will be an issue for many teams, though those willing to spend time developing the player could help him finally reach his high potential.
6Fernando
Brazilian central-midfielder Fernando is a great option for those in need of a free-kick taker. HisFree-Kick Taking attribute of 17will make opponents think twice before fouling players around the box.
Fernando isn’t just a set-piece specialist, however. The 29-year-old also hasmagnificent Technique, Passing, and Vision statsthat can make him a valuable playmaker in central or defensive midfield. Fernando’s Determination and Concentration of 10 can make it tricky to get consistency out of him, though the Brazilian will likely show enough spark for a team to make an offer for him the following summer, making the free agent a profitable, risk-free investment.
5Jack Wilshere
Jack Wilshere has, unfortunately, become a modern staple of how damaging injuries can be to atalented young player’scareer. The Englishman was once tipped to be the country’s next great central-midfielder on par with Gerrard, Lampard, and Scholes; however, numerous injuries and over-playing from his club eventually caught up to him, and his extraordinary potential was never reached.
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Still, Wilshere’s career is far from over as, believe it or not, the central-midfielder is still only 29 years old. Like Fernando, Jack Wilshere has anexcellent array of playmaking abilities,which could make him a pivotal part of a team’s midfield if a manager can recapture his best form.
4Willy Caballero
A former Manchester City and Chelsea goalkeeper with a treasure-trove of trophy wins may seem like a no-brainer for those needing someone between the posts. Truth be told, though, Willy Caballero has often been the third choice keeper at both clubs and made under 40 Premier League appearances for both clubs across seven seasons.
Still, the Argentinian can still be areliable backup or even solid starting option for many lower-division clubs.Furthermore, Caballero’sexperience and leadership make him a positive influence in the dressing room, and he could become a key member of a club’s coaching staff when he retires.
3Fernando Llorente
Fernando Llorente is a great option for teams that needan old-school, target-man striker. At 6ft 4, and withHeading, Teamwork, and Balance attributes of 18,Llorente is animposing figure in the opposition’s boxthat can convert crosses or set up his teammates.
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Llorente has had a journeyman career, playing important roles for Spurs, Juventus, Napoli, Swansea, and Athletic Bilbao, among others. At 36 years old, it’s unlikely that the Spanish striker will be able to play week-in and week-out, but he could be avaluable option to bring off the bench.
2Dani Alves
With his career seemingly winding down, many people were starting to look back on Alves' legendary career and debate where he ranks among some of the greatest right-backs of all time. However, recent real-life events have shown that Alves' career still has pages to be written, as Xavi has recently re-signed Alves to Barcelona after becoming theirnew manager.
Dani Alves still startsFootball Manager 22as a free agent, though, and his stats show that Xavi isn’t just recruiting his former teammate as a token gesture. At 38 years of age, Alves could only have one season left in the game, thoughhis maxed-out Determination stat, partnered with 16 Crossing, Passing, and Technique,makes him a tantalizing option.
1Paulinho
When looking at Paulinho’s attributes, the first thing that will stand out to many people is how well-rounded he is. The 32-year-old’ssolid array of stats make him an option for a range of different central-midfield roles, while his experience can make himvaluable in trainingfor youth players to learn from.
Unfortunately, Paulinho’s excellent range of stats means that it can be tricky to sign the Brazilian, as teams like Manchester United, Chelsea, and Juventus will often make offers for the free agent in the game. For those able to secure the Brazilian’s signature, they’re rewarded with one of the best free agents in this year’s game.
Football Manager 22is out now for PC, Mobile, and Xbox.
