As many of you will know, there was a recent official FM26 update. These updates are always interesting, as not only should they rid the game of any little issues, but they can also see wonderkids added or upgraded to more closely reflect their current ability.
There are wonderkids who are unlikely to appear, as they are now well past the wonderkid stage and established players. Here are some wonderkids that we found interesting:
Luke Williams-Barnett (Tottenham)
The youngster is regarded as one of the best up-and-coming players of his age group. He signed his first professional contract with Spurs in October 2025, having just turned 17. Williams-Barnett had already made his first-team debut at that point, having played against Doncaster Rovers in a Carabao Cup game in September.
The versatile attacking star has been compared to Chelsea’s Cole Palmer in style of play, which is a big compliment.
At just 16 (at the start of the game), his FM26 stats are promising. The highlights of his stats are +15 for technique, flair, vision and natural fitness. He has incredible potential, which is among the highest of any player in the game.
Unfortunately, it’s hard to say how he will develop in the long term because the update is so recent. However, before the update, he was slightly hit-and-miss about whether he had fulfilled his potential. In one of our recent games, he stayed at Spurs, barely played and was released at 24. However, he then thrived in Saudi Arabia’s top flight, with strong stats.
Pau Navarro (Villarreal)
Villarreal has a long tradition of producing quality young players. In Pau Navarro, they have unearthed another quality gem. At 20, the Spanish under-20 international has already shown glimpses of his ability, having made over 25 appearances for the Yellow Submarine.
Navarro featured more for the first team in the 2024/25 season than in the current campaign, but he is still highly regarded by the Spanish club.
His potential is there for all to see in FM26. His stats of + 15 for tackling, marking, work rate, and positioning illustrate that he has solid foundations to become a world-class centre-back in the future.
Navarro is another wonderkid who doesn’t always fulfil his immense potential. He has to be given the right game time and training to live up to his potential ability. If he is given that, then he will become a top-class defender at the top of the game. If not, then his career will go downhill.
Dastan Satpayev (Qairat Almaty, joining Chelsea in 2026)
The 16-year-old has already made over 40 appearances for Qairat Almaty’s first team, despite his tender years, scoring an impressive 19 goals. His performances for the Kazakhstani team caught the eye of Premier League club Chelsea, who he will join in the summer of 2026.
The forward is regarded as a highly technically gifted player, whose stature has led to comparisons with former Argentina international Sergio Aguero. His FM26 stats tell a story of a promising young starlet. His highest stat is determination, which is rated at 17.
However, he also has other respectable stats, such as 14 in both finishing, composure and natural fitness.
In my most recent save, which is now ten years into the future, he has gone on to be a regular in the Chelsea starting line-up, with his stats growing immensely. In that game, I actually signed him on loan from Chelsea when he was 18, and he scored some crucial goals.
Saba Kharebashvili (Dinamo Tbilisi)
The young Georgian defender is already an FM26 must-sign and has caught the eye in real-life too. Unfortunately, the update has dashed the hopes of many of signing one of the bargains of the game, as he has now agreed a deal to join Turkish club Istanbul Basaksehir when he turns 18.
It’s a shame because the Georgian arguably has the best all-around stats of any player of his age in the game. The fact that he usually goes on to play as a left-back and a centre-back only adds to his appeal.
Talking of the future, more often than not, Kharebashvili goes on to become the complete defender, who is highly consistent. The move to Turkish football may well make it harder to sign him, and the fee may be raised, but he is still a stellar signing, especially if you can sign him when he is in his prime.
Nathan De Cat (Anderlecht)
De Cat is right up there with Kharebashvili for impressive stats at such a young age. His stats on FM26 are very impressive. The midfielder is highly rated in real life and has been a regular starter for Anderlecht in the 2025/26 season.
The fact that he is already rated £39m-£49m by Anderlecht in the first summer transfer window illustrates his ability and his potential.
In most of my recent saves, De Cat has gone on to become a very good centre midfielder, but doesn’t quite reach world-class standards.
However, that is likely down to the old tale of not playing enough first-team football in his early 20’s, which has stunted his development. In my most recent games, I have seen him move to RB Leipzig or Dortmund, but both times, he has struggled to play consistently.
Which wonderkids have caught your eye after the latest FM26 update?
