Football Manager 2022 has finally arrived, meaning it's time to start planning ahead for another year of managerial dominance.
From superstars to wonderkids, we've got you covered for ten of the best players you can sign on pre-contracts in 2026.
Contract Expiry Signings 2026
Everyone loves securing a talented superstar for free, and pre-contract signings are the best way to do just that.
Of course, these are all conditional on players not signing new contracts/signing for other clubs. However, we believe many of these players will be available for you to approach come the turn of the year.
Frenkie De Jong
Age: 24
Position: DM, M (C)
Wage: £166,000 a week
A product of the famous Ajax academy, Frenkie De Jong is a superstar who could become a world beater in the next couple of years.
A strong player with an excellent passing range, De Jong should be a player you keep your eye on in this year's game.
Jadon Sancho
Age: 21
Position: M (RL), AM (RL)
Wage: £250,000 a week
Things are yet to work out for Jadon Sancho on the red half of Manchester, but that doesn't mean he isn't still one of the best wingers in Football Manager 2022.
A tricky customer with bags of pace and class, we think you'd be mad to not try and sign this English gem.
Archaf Hakimi
Age: 22
Position: D (R), WB (R)
Wage: £170,000 a week
Recently transferred to PSG from Inter Milan, Archaf Hakimi is one of the most exciting right backs in world football.
His pace is off the charts and his potential is high, meaning you would be bagging yourself a superstar for absolutely nothing.
Gianluigi Donnarumma
Age: 22
Position: GK
Wage: £215,000 a week
Euro 2020's MVP - and arch-nemesis to many England fans - there's no denying that Gianluigi Donnarumma is the most exciting goalkeeper in world football.
A tall, agile keeper with excellent leadership attributes, Donnarumma is certain to be a star for many, many years to come.
Dayot Upamecano
Age: 22
Position: Bayern Munich
Wage: £130,000 a week
There certainly isn't a lack of quality in the French national team and Dayot Upamecano is another superstar waiting in the wings.
An incredibly strong and fast centre half, we firmly believe Upamecano would be the bargain of the century if you could secure his services for free.
Ederson
Age: 27
Position: GK
Wage: £180,000 a week
One of the best shot stoppers in world football, Ederson has made a name for himself since joining Manchester City.
His range of passing makes him the perfect player for any manager looking to play out from the back, and we think this Brazilian 'keeper is worth moving for.
Andy Robertson
Age: 27
Position: D (L), WB (L)
Wage: £160,000 a week
A born leader who knows how to ruffle a few feathers, Andy Robertson is a player you can't help but admire.
He may be getting on by the time 2026 rolls around, but there's doubting that Robertson will be a star for many years to come.
Ben White
Age: 23
Position: D (C)
Wage: £90,000 a week
Arsenal's new prospect with bags of potential, Ben White could be the next hottest property to burst out of the youth ranks in England.
Whilst Arsenal are unlikely to let him leave for another, could you swoop in and leave Mikel Arteta with egg on his face?
Florian Wirtz
Age: 18
Position: AM (C)
Wage: £41,000 a week
One of the most exciting wonderkid talents in Football Manager 2022, everyone in the world is talking about Florian Wirtz right now.
Still only 18, this dangerous attacking midfield will be a fully-fledged star once 2026 rolls around, the perfect time to sign him.
Raheem Sterling
Age: 26
Position: AM (RL)
Wage: £200,000 a week
Raheem Sterling is a curious case of a player you always want to love, despite the occasional open goal miss.
Regardless, Sterling is a top-class professional with incredible stats, and he's sure to improve any team in the world in Football Manager 2022.
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