Few positions in sport have had more of a glow-up in recent years than the outside defenders in world football, as the position has transformed into one of the most critical on the pitch for many formations. While old school full back play was all about defense and any offensive contributions were a boost, full backs and wing backs are now regularly expected to contribute on both ends of the pitch, with many even serving as offensive-first selections.
With this increased importance in modern tactics, it’s critical to find full backs who can play at a high level to unlock the full potential of your tactics. Whether this means cheap experienced pros to contribute now, future wonderkids, or players who can do both, these are some of the best affordable options for you to scoop up on a budget in Football Manager 26.
Best Cheap Left Backs In Football Manager 26
Experienced pros who can quickly raise the level of your team are a big boon in Football Manager 26. These affordable buys can do a job now, and maybe even grow with you in the years ahead:
- Clement Akpa (Auxerre): Few nations outside of Europe and South America have a stronger pedigree of wide players than Cote d’Ivoire, with many getting their breaks in the French league like Akpa.
- Moussa Cisse (Basel): Mali are on the rise and headed to AFCoN later this year, where Cisse will have the chance to further raise his profile, but not before you can snap him up in the summer window on the cheap.
- Josh Doig (Sassuolo): Affordable players with proven quality for top-flight tiers are always intriguing, and the Scottish fullback is just such a player and, at only 23, one with plenty of room to grow, too.
- Ralph Orquin (Club America): For a solid contributor immediately available for just a six-figure transfer fee, you can head to Mexico and Club America, where Ralph Orquin is waiting to become the next key player for your save.
- Takehiro Tomiyasu (Free Agent): Already featured on our lists of cheap CBs and general bargain signings, Tomiyasu will likely also be back on our RB list, too. An injury hampered time at Arsenal does not change the skills and versatility Tomiyasu brings to the table, and with no transfer fee, his health is worth a punt for most sides.
- Brandon Williams (Hull City): Though signed to Hull on a default database, Williams is available to pursue at the start of the save as a free agent with a real-world database due to having been released from his United contract at its conclusion and not signing with Hull until mid-August.
Best Cheap Wonderkid CBs In Football Manager 26
The right wonderkid can change a club’s fortunes significantly. For smaller sides, they have the potential to be immediate upgrades, while at clubs of any size, they have the potential to grow into elite players at their position to become important contributors on winning sides. These young wonderkids are all available at reasonable prices that make them absolute steals with the right coaching and development:
- Niccolo Fortini (Fiorentina): Although on the pricier side of things, Fortini is a versatile defender who is strong on the left and capable on the right, despite still being in his teenage years, making him still a bargain when properly developed.
- Lucas Jetten (Ajax): Playing at a club famous for developing future stars, Jetten is a cheap option with a high ceiling who you could mold into your future left flank superstar.
- Saba Kharebashvili (Dinamo Tbilisi): Available for under $2 million, the 16-year-old Kharebashvili still has enough potential to draw reasonable interest from Arsenal scouts as a potential future star for one of the biggest clubs in the world.
- Keita Kosugi (Djurgardens): Avoiding big leagues and big nationalities is a great way to bargain shop, and a Japanese teenager with potential playing in Sweden fits the bill to a T.
- Lucien Mahovo (Norwich City): A 20-year-old playing in the Championship, Mahovo is available on the cheap while being both field-ready for many sides and a potential star for anyone.
- Souza (Santos): South America is a hotbed for young talent, with European clubs routinely scouring their ranks for future stars before they come good. With Souza, you can pluck a fine gem to fill out your ranks.
- Yusi (Alaves): At just 19, Yusi has moved from the Real Madrid academy to another Spanish side at Alaves. For just a few million, you can make him your left back of the future.
These affordable left back buys can be your next starting wide defender. Will you be targeting any of our favorite options, or do you have your own steals to recommend?
