Just as in any other EA FC game, building a well-balanced team is essential to long-term success. You might think that’s practically impossible without splashing all your money on star defenders. However, the real fun comes from hunting out those cheap defenders that hold the potential to surprise everyone. These players are remarkably flexible for any game plan you throw at them, offering impressive stats and long-term growth without draining your bank.
Such bargain defenders prove that quality doesn’t have to come at a premium price tag. Whether you’re planning for future seasons or strengthening your backline. Ranging from center-backs to full-backs, these best cheap defenders listed below are sure to solidify your team in EA FC 26 Career Mode.
Brad Manguelle
- Age: 17
- Club: KRC Genk (Belgium)
- Position: Center-Back (CB)
- OVR: 60
- POT: 82
- Estimated Value: ~£500K-700K
Genk’s academy just keeps churning out these hidden gems, and Brad Manguelle’s the latest product of talent. Young and already looking like a decent contender, he’s got that sturdy physique, and he’s not slow either (which is always a bonus for a center back, let’s be real). Still a bit rough around the edges, but that’s kinda the point. He won’t cost you an arm and a leg, so if you’re only starting out and have a bit of patience. This guy’s the sort of long-term investment that could actually pay off.
Tobias Ramírez Cardozo
- Age: 18
- Club: Argentinos Juniors (Argentina)
- Position: Center-Back (CB)
- OVR: 69
- POT: 85
- Estimated Value: ~£2.5M-3M
Argentina has this strange magic when it comes to defenders, and Tobias Ramírez Cardozo is just the latest proof of it. He’s still just a teenager at Argentinos Juniors, but honestly? He already looks team-ready right beside the experienced guys. Super quick, jumps like he’s got springs in his shoes, and he’s fairly strong too. If you grab him early, before his value blasts through the roof, you’re in for a treat. I mean, with a potential of 85, you can’t go wrong with him. He’s especially valuable because his contract situation often offers you negotiating leverage.
Finn Jeltsch
- Age: 19
- Club: VfB Stuttgart (Germany)
- Position: Center-Back (CB)
- OVR: 72
- POT: 87
- Estimated Value: ~£4.5M
Being a major part of Germany’s youth success, Finn Jeltsch holds the potential to grow into an elite defender if nurtured properly. It’s obvious that Stuttgart clearly sees the vision, as they continue investing resources in him. At only 19, he has showcased maturity like seasoned pros with impressive defensive positioning. If you’re a club with a mid-level budget hunting the best defender, this one’s a strong contender to sign.
Yarek Gasiorowski
- Age: 20
- Club: PSV Eindhoven (Netherlands)
- Position: Center-Back (CB) / Left-Back (LB)
- OVR: 73
- POT: 85
- Estimated Value: ~£6M-7M
The Spanish defender Yarek Gasiorowski Hernandis is renowned for his positional versatility. He made waves at the UEFA Youth League, with the highlight of shutting down multiple attacking attempts against Sevilla’s youth side. Sure, he might cost a bit more than your average bargain center-back. However, the tactical value he provides covering LB, along with his base stats, far justifies the cost. Talk value? Probably one of the best mid-priced CB/LB hybrids in the pool.
El Chadaille Bitshiabu
- Age: 20
- Club: RB Leipzig (Germany)
- Position: Center-Back (CB)
- OVR: 75
- POT: 87
- Estimated Value: ~£10M-12M
El Chadaille Bitshiabu may not be the cheapest on this list, but he’s definitely promising. Offering decent stats, with athletism rooted deep in his core. His physical stats and Pinged Pass PlayStyle add to his value, making him a strong long-term investment. If you’re looking for a solid defender by mid-season, consider picking him up early on in Career Mode. Moreover, the performance he offers? The price tag is still lower than that of other contenders.
Myles Lewis-Skelly
- Age: 19
- Club: Arsenal (England)
- Position: Left-Back (LB) / Center-Midfielder (CM)
- OVR: 78
- POT: 87
- Estimated Value: ~£17M-22M
Arsenal’s own wonderkid, Myles Lewis-Skelly, is the kind of player anyone would love to root for. He earned his name quickly as one of the best young left-back players. Talk flexibility? He can slot in the midfield role apart from his main LB role, if that’s what the team needs. Add on the Press Proven PlayStyle, and he becomes a hot-shot for clubs seeking modern full-backs, providing value both defensively and offensively. Not the cheapest, sure, but consider it a long-term investment.
Antonio Silva
- Age: 21
- Club: SL Benfica (Portugal)
- Position: Center-Back (CB)
- OVR: 78
- POT: 86
- Estimated Value: ~£25M-28M
Antonio Silva is kind of like that one hidden gem you brag to your friends about. Sure, not the cheapest in the pool, but certainly way more affordable than most hyped-up stars. Considered as a budget alternative to truly elite defenders, Silva possesses serious defensive awareness and takes on faster attackers with confidence. His Long Ball Pass and Block PlayStyles are just the cherry on top. If you’re a club seeking someone solid from day one, who’s only gonna get better. Well, look no further, you found him.
