Many countries produce top young players, but some are more efficient at developing them than others. One country that is a prolific producer of wonderkids is Germany, as reflected in FM26.
Here are some of our favourite German wonderkids:
Tom Bischof (Bayern Munich)
Arguably, there is no better place to start when talking about German wonderkids than the versatile young Bayern starlet. The 20-year-old made a big move to the Bavarian giants in the summer from Hoffenheim, having impressed for Die Kraichgauer in the previous campaigns.
He has earned himself a big reputation in the game as a rising star, and he has made a solid start to his life with the reigning German champions.
On FM26, unsurprisingly, his stats are very high due to his reputation and performances. The highlights of his stats are 16+ attributes in tackling, long shots, teamwork, determination and stamina, among a set of encouraging numbers.
As with any wonderkid, those stats will improve over time and with experience. He will become a much-improved player. Another plus for Bischof is that he would cost £30m plus add-ons, which is a bargain for a player with such immense potential.
Brajan Gruda (Brighton)
The 21-year-old is currently plying his trade with Premier League Brighton, who have become synonymous with finding hidden gems and polishing them into top-class players before selling at a considerable profit.
Gruda has been in and out of the Seagulls team this season, making seven Premier League starts and nine substitute appearances. He has had mixed fortunes in those appearances, but the club are still hopeful that he will improve in the near future.
The versatile attacking midfielder can play as a number ten or out on the right flank, whilst also being able to do a job on the opposite flank.
When it comes to stats, as you would expect, he excels in attacking stats, with 16+ attributes in technique, dribbling and flair. His other stats are solid, if not unspectacular. They do grow, and he becomes a far more well-rounded player.
As with every player that Brighton is looking to sell, Gruda comes with a hefty price tag in the first summer transfer window. He can cost up to £70m, including add-ons or instalment payments, which is slightly excessive, but if you wait a couple of seasons, he could be brought in for a somewhat smaller fee.
Matteo Palma (Udinese)
In the first summer of FM26, Palma is just 17, and playing his football with Udinese U20. His starter stats wouldn’t suggest that he would become a star of the future. However, in one of my latest saves, he becomes an outstanding Premier League full-back or centre-back, as he can play in both positions.
In fact, he starts with only determination and natural fitness at 15+. He experiences a massive glow-up over time, and by his mid-20s, his stats are far more impressive. Arguably, he could play in most top teams.
If you are managing a club with a decent starting budget and can afford to loan him out for a few seasons, then his fee of around £21m is well worth it.
Saïd El Mala (Koln)
El Mala has burst onto the Bundesliga scene this season for Koln, despite some niggling injury issues. In six starts and nine substitute appearances, the 19-year-old has scored six times and produced two assists. His performances have made him something of a cult hero already amongst the Big Goats faithful.
El Mala can play in any of the attacking midfield positions and can also serve as a makeshift striker if called upon.
His emergence as a top prospect may not be accurately reflected in his stats in FM26. However, he does have +16 attributes in dribbling, technique and flair, which illustrates where his talents lie. After a few seasons, he develops into one of the most exciting attacking players in the game.
The interesting thing with El Mala is that you can sign him for just £15m, plus add-ons in the first transfer window. In fact, he is available on loan in the opening summer transfer window, which is even better.
He isn’t going to be ready to be thrown in at an elite-level club. He could play a bigger role at a mid-level Premier League club, for example. If managing an English club, an initial work permit application is likely to be declined, although it should be granted on appeal.
Kenneth Eichhorn (Hertha Bertha)
At just 15, the German defensive midfielder is the youngest player on our list. However, he is one of the players with the highest potential. His starting stats don’t scream top player, but then you realise just how young he is.
There are very few, if any, players who have stats like his at his age. In fact, there are very few 15-year-olds in FM26, so he is a unique player. To say his attributes grow immensely would be a massive understatement.
When he is 23, he is one of the best players in his position in the game. The fact that most of his starting stats are in double figures is the foundation for that development.
As he is so young, his fee is relatively low in the first summer transfer window. In fact, in one of my recent saves, he left Hertha for a fee of just £5.5m. For that fee, you are buying a massive prospect who, if developed right, is one of the top players in his position.
Who are your favourite German wonderkids on FM26?
