Like with any EA FC game, there’s a lot of discussion around the top-rated players in EA FC 26. Names like Haaland, Mbappé, Yamal, and Bellingham are always going to be in the mix. In Career mode, where your focus is to build a legacy, you’ll naturally want to sign the best players possible. But instead of the usual stars, you can look towards wonderkids to get the ball rolling.
Whether you’re looking at midfielders, strikers, or defenders, there is an excellent young talent pool in the game that can fulfill your needs. Today, we’ll be taking a look at young and cheap players in EA FC 26’s career mode. While exact figures for the in-game transfer market values are unconfirmed right now, we can make educated predictions based on real-world market values. Of course, the overall rating and stats matter too.
Kobbie Mainoo
- Age: 20
- Overall: 77
- Club: Manchester United
- Position: CDM
Kobbie Mainoo has been in the spotlight for a while now. After coming up through the Manchester United academy, he has made a name for himself playing for the first time. He has been one of the key players for United for the past seasons, starting and coming on as a super substitute in decisive moments. Kobbie has caught the eyes of supporters after showcasing his wonderful footwork in his first season with United.
Match winners aren’t anything unusual for Kobbie, as he scored one against Lyon in the Europa League semi-final this year to complete an insane comeback and take them to the final. Do not judge him by his overall rating because his card has some solid stats, and just like real life, solid dribbling and passing. He makes for a solid player in the midfield, whether you want to use him as a starting player or someone who provides depth to your squad. At an expected cost of around €50M – €60M, he is an excellent defensive midfielder to look out for.
Carlos Baleba
- Age: 21
- Overall: 81
- Club: Brighton
- Position: CDM
- Market Value: 40M
A solid midfielder and a young talent that’s been on the rise for the past season. The fact that he was one of Manchester United’s transfer targets in the transfer window that just passed proves his desirability. The young player is a strong pick for the starting eleven of any major club in the Premier League. He provides flair in the midfield and is amazing at covering for any mistakes made further up the field. Baleba was a key player for Brighton last season as they just about missed out on the top 10, finishing 11th in the Premier League.
He was also a key player for the squad when he competed in the Europa League, helping his team make it to the round of 16. In-game, he is great to have on your team as he provides depth, and if you’re managing an upcoming team, he can be a great budget option to strengthen the midfield. His rock-solid stats make him a player to watch out for if you come up against him in a game. His projected in-game value is €40M – €50M.
Arda Guler
- Age: 20
- Overall: 81
- Club: Real Madrid
- Position: CAM/RW
Here’s a name that most of us have heard in the past few seasons. Sometimes referred to as the next Ozil, the Turkish midfielder has that same flair to him and provides key passes and goals for the team when needed. Although he had a difficult time breaking into the first team last season, he is doing much better under Xabi Alonso, as he has become a regular starter. We’ve seen what he is capable of at the Euros as well, with his stunner from outside the box for Turkey.
He provides the same type of exciting play in-game as well, and he can command attacks from midfield and even run up the right flank when needed. His top-tier passing and dribbling make him a threat regardless of where he plays. Good shooting is one to watch out for as well, since he has a mean left foot on him, which looks to be programmed to score bangers. At a projected cost of around €40M – €50M, he’s a good young, guaranteed starter for your team.
Endrick
- Age: 19
- Overall: 77
- Club: Real Madrid
- Position: ST
Another Real Madrid player is making the list, and it’s not surprising as they’re known to do great business, especially when it comes to poaching young stars. The Brazilian is one to look out for, as he provides a threat from the striker position. He hasn’t been a regular name in the Madrid squad, but every time he has played, he has marked his territory dominantly. Regarded as Pele born again, it puts a lot of weight on his shoulders, but he has not let that get to him.
At only 19 years of age, Endrick has a lot of potential and plenty of room to grow, and his stats support him in that claim as well. He has a great pace and dribbling, which make him deadly up front, despite his relatively low overall rating in the game. At a projected cost of €30M – €40M, he can be a surprisingly lethal addition to your club.
Abdulkodir Khusanov
- Age: 21
- Overall: 77
- Club: Manchester City
- Position: CB
Khusanov is a deadly defender and has been a great signing for City, providing depth to their squad and, when needed, starting anywhere in that defence. Everyone wants a young defender these days, as that puts them at ease for the next couple of seasons. Khusanov, with his young legs and unbeatable passion and aggression, is a fierce figure to have in defense.
A struggling Manchester City made use of him when needed, and he did not disappoint. What makes him so great to have in your team is his exceptional pace. He catches up to any attacker, even while being a center back. Insane pace, even for a defender, and he makes good use of it. For €30M – €40M, he is a good player to add to your squad for depth.
Antonio Silva
- Age: 21
- Overall: 78
- Club: Benfica
- Position: CB
Antonia Silva has been balling out at Benfica for quite a while now, catching attention from some of the biggest clubs all around the world. The Portuguese man leaves no room for mistakes and makes the defense tight and unbreakable with his height and strength. Not only is he good at winning the ball back and stopping attacks, but he is also a great ball-playing center back, which suits a lot of teams’ playstyles.
Exceptional pace and strength make him a threat to any attackers facing him. So do his great passing stats and long ball pass PlayStyle, as he stands to be a threat to the other teams’ defense. A player who makes for a good starter and depth in any team he plays in. For around €30 million, he’s a very strong center back that won’t break the bank.
Franco Mastantuono
- Age: 18
- Overall: 77
- Club: Real Madrid
- Position: CAM/RW
A recent signing for Real Madrid, Franco looks to be a star player, having already made it into the starting 11 a few times since signing. Starting for Real Madrid comes with a whole lot of pressure, but Franco remains an unfazed and serious threat to anyone they have played this season. He was attacking aggressively in the game against OM Marseille in the Champions League this season.
Don’t be fooled by his low overall, though, because a 77 rating at just 18 years of age is quite decent. With a huge potential in him, he makes for a good budget signing for all teams, as he looks to provide depth and possibly break into the first team as a starter once he reaches his potential. Great dribbling and the dead-ball PlayStyle make him out to be a threat from inside the box as well as outside. A great pickup for €30M – €40M.
James Trafford
- Age: 22
- Overall: 76
- Club: Manchester City
- Position: GK
A star keeper for Burnley, now at Manchester City. Trafford looks to be a promising first-choice keeper for City this season. However, that dream of his was quickly crushed as Donnaruma became available, and City took the chance and snatched him up for free. Nothing to worry about, though, as he is still young and has plenty of time to break into the first team, but for now, he serves as a backup.
A great, young, and ball-playing keeper, he is up on the market and could be a great option for most of you to get him on a loan-to-buy basis. Trafford makes for a good keeper with his Long Ball Pass PlayStyle + Far Throw, both of which enable him to make key passes from far back. Footwork in a keeper is essential these days, and Trafford does not lack that either. For €20M – €30M, he is a very decent investment.
