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There’s nothing better than a good free transfer. Spend £50 million on a player, and you expect them to deliver. But often, they don’t feel worth the money. Sign a player for free, though, and every bit of magic feels like a bonus. If they turn into a world-beater? You’ve just hit the jackpot. Just imagine how Bolton felt when they snapped up Jay-Jay Okocha for free—they were probably on cloud nine for years.
So, with Football Manager 2025 FINALLY set to release in March, I’ve scoured the landscape for the best free transfers you’ll want to grab. This list includes players currently without a club (and showing no signs of joining one) and others whose contracts are on the verge of expiring.
Maximiliano Gomez
There’s a reason Maximiliano Gómez is currently clubless. As a striker, his last loan spell saw him go 33 matches without scoring, and his contract was terminated. Ouch. But real-life flops don’t always translate to poor in-game performances. There’s still a good player in there somewhere—he’s represented Uruguay many times and was once so hotly tipped that even Barcelona showed interest. Back in the day, Football Manager players clamored to sign him. At just 28, can you help him rediscover his form and silence the doubters?
Jonathan Tah
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Here’s one to move on quickly. Jonathan Tah has confirmed he won’t be renewing his contract at Bayer Leverkusen this summer, and with Barcelona and Real Madrid circling, you’ll need to act fast. You’ll likely need to be managing a big club to secure him, but if you do, you’re getting a centre-back with some beastly physical attributes. And let’s be real: physicality is king in Football Manager.
Angel Gomes
This could be one of the most exciting free transfers in FM25. Angel Gomes’ stock has risen rapidly over the last few years, and he’s set to be a free agent this summer. In real life, a return to Manchester United seems plausible, but in Football Manager, anything can happen. As an attacking playmaker, Gomes is perfect for a 4-2-3-1 system—which, let’s be honest, is used by about half the FM community.
Kyle Walker-Peters
Contract talks with Southampton have stalled, meaning Kyle Walker-Peters could become a free agent this summer. He’s a dream signing for almost every Premier League team. He’s homegrown, excels in attack and defense, and can play as a wing-back on either side. The perfect versatile squad player. If he ends up without a club in FM25 or FM26, he’ll be the first name on my transfer list.
Leroy Sane
This one’s a bit more speculative, as Leroy Sané is still in contract negotiations. However, if those talks fall through, he could be available on a free in 2025—and he’d be the crème de la crème of free transfers. With blistering pace, incredible technical ability, and proven success in the Premier League, Sané is a dream signing for any top club. Be warned, though—his wage demands will be sky-high, but he might just be worth it.
Brandon Williams
Brandon Williams has been without a club since July, and at 24, he’s still got plenty to offer. He’d be an excellent signing for a top-end Championship side or as a backup for a bottom-half Premier League team. Homegrown and likely to come cheap, there’s virtually no downside to snapping him up. You’re not getting a world-class wing-back here, but he’s a solid, dependable option.
Dele Alli
This one’s for the lower-league managers. Dele Alli has endured setback after setback, and injuries have derailed his career. By the time FM25 rolls around, it’s likely he’ll be a free agent. While his real-life career has taken an unexpected turn, there’s still potential for him to shine in the right Football Manager setup—perhaps at a League One or Championship side. Once upon a time, there was an exceptional player in there. I’m not ready to give up hope just yet.
For more FM content here at VideoGamer, check out the best strikers or the most underrated wonderkid players in the series. We’re always working on new Football Manager goodness over here.
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