In our series on FM26 bargains, we have reached the position of good-value attacking midfielders or wingers. I have included them in one category, as many can play in both roles. So without further ado, here are our favourite attacking midfielders/wingers:
Malcom (Al-Hilal)
The Brazilian winger has offered decent value for money in the last few editions of the game, as he has always played for clubs that were willing to let him go for a knockdown fee, as he was with Zenit before his switch to the Saudi Pro League.
In FM26, that is still the case. At the start of the game, he is on the transfer list and valued at just £7.8m, which, given his stats, is an excellent price. The only caveat is that his wage demands are massive, as he is on a bumper contract at Al-Hilal. However, if you can afford his wages, then he could be a shrewd signing, who is likely to thrive in your team.
Memphis Depay (Corinthians)
The Netherlands international is almost a forgotten man after moving to the Brazilian top-flight. However, even at 31, Depay is an excellent signing. He may not be the youngest player in the world, but his stats are very good for the forward. His technique, passing, long shots, dribbling, and finishing are all 14+. That combination of stats is highly respectable for any attacking player.
The main attraction of the Dutchman is that he is available for under £8m. Once again, he isn’t the cheapest player when it comes to wages. However, the relatively small transfer negates his wages. He is highly effective for most teams in the top European leagues. He can even be a star in mid-range teams in the Premier League or the equivalent.
Alexis Vega (Deportivo Toluca)
Vega could well be the most versatile and biggest bargain on our list. The 27-year-old plies his trade in his homeland, Mexico, with Deportivo Toluca at the start of the game. He is an attacking player with all-around good stats, including 14+ in technique, dribbling, and long shots. Most of his other stats are in the mid- to low-teens, too. He is a good player all-around.
The fact that he can play across all the attacking midfield positions and as a central striker makes him a handy player to have in your squad. He is valued at around £10m, but you have to negotiate with Toluca to get him for around £12m, or £15, if you include add-ons.
That makes him one of the more expensive players on our list. However, he is certainly worth the outlay, as he will score goals and produce assists from any position he plays.
Alvaro Fidalgo (Club America)
Although he starts the game in Mexico with Club America, Alvaro Fidalgo is actually Spanish and began his career in the youth ranks at Spanish giants Real Madrid. However, it was not until he moved to Mexico in 2021 and joined Club América that the attacking midfielder’s career really took off.
His main high stats indicate he is a quality player, with 15+ in dribbling, passing, technique, and flair. Those stats scream attacking midfielder, who is a playmaker. Fidalgo doesn’t just play in the number ten role, though, as he can also play as a left-winger and in central midfield.
Fidalgo’s price tag is usually around £8m, which is obviously a small fee for a player of his ability. His wages are not massive either for such a decent player. He is a player you very rarely regret signing, especially given the small outlay required for most top division clubs.
Rafinha (Free Agent)
Rafinha is something of a blast from the past. The Brazilian came through the youth system at Barcelona, then played for Inter and PSG before joining the Qatari outfit Al-Arabi in 2022.
However, he is now a free agent after leaving the Qatari club and, even at 32, is still a high-quality player for clubs that need a bit of inspiration in the centre of the park. The fact that he has stats of 16+ for technique, passing, first touch and dribbling tells you the sort of player you are getting. Rafinha is capable of playing in virtually any attacking midfield role, as well as in central midfield.
Another good thing about Rafinha is that he doesn’t demand ridiculous wages, although he does ask for a lot of performance-related bonuses. However, if he meets the criteria, it’s an indication that he’s had a good season and was well worth the minimal money spent on his wages.
Who is your favourite attacking midfield/winger bargain on FM26?
