Securing elite players without paying a transfer fee is one of the most satisfying strategies in EA Sports FC Career Mode. By using pre-contract agreements, you can bring in top talent for free and keep your budget available for other needs. In EA Sports FC 26, the January 1st, 2026 date is key — on this day, you can approach players aged 23 or older whose deals expire in June 2026. They will join your club on July 1st without any transfer cost, only requiring a signing bonus and wages. This approach is a game-changer, especially for managers looking to maximize squad quality while carefully managing resources, and it pairs perfectly with smart budget spending on items like FC 26 Coins to elevate your club-building strategy.
World-Class Signings to Transform Your XI
These players can walk into your starting lineup and make an immediate impact. While their wage demands will be among the highest, the difference they make on the pitch justifies the investment.
Kevin De Bruyne (CAM, CM)
The Belgian midfield genius remains a creative force thanks to world-class passing, vision, and long-range shooting. Even with age-related physical decline, his technical skills will still dominate matches in FC 26. Expect him to perform at the highest level for two to three seasons.
- Projected Overall: 89–91
- Best Attributes: Passing, Vision, Long Shots
Mohamed Salah (RW)
A relentless goal threat with pace, dribbling, and clinical finishing. Fit him into a counter-attacking system, instruct him to cut inside, and he can comfortably hit 20+ goals per season.
- Projected Overall: 88–90
- Best Attributes: Pace, Finishing, Dribbling
Joshua Kimmich (CDM, CM, RB)
The ultimate midfield general. Balanced across passing, defending, and dribbling, Kimmich offers tactical flexibility as a deep-lying playmaker or right-back fill-in.
- Projected Overall: 87–89
- Best Attributes: Passing, Tactical Awareness, Versatility
High-Potential Future Stars
These signings are perfect for building dominance in the long term while also providing immediate quality.
Alphonso Davies (LB, LWB)
Lightning pace, attacking drive, and recovery speed make Davies an elite left-back. Still developing at 25, he offers room for growth into the low-90s overall rating range, making him a generational signing.
- Projected Overall: 85–87
- Potential: 90–92
- Key Traits: Explosive Speed, Dribbling, Stamina
Reliable Veterans & Depth Options
Experience and depth are crucial for long campaigns. These players provide both at excellent value.
Kyle Walker (RB, RWB)
Still one of the quickest defenders in the game, Walker offers defensive stability, marking, and physicality. An ideal short-term starter or mentor for an emerging right-back.
- Projected Overall: 83–85
- Key Traits: Pace, Strength, Defensive Positioning
Luka Modrić (CM)
While slower with age, Modrić's ball control, vision, and passing remain close to perfect. Best used as a late-game substitute to dictate possession in tight matches.
- Projected Overall: 84–86
- Key Traits: Passing, Dribbling, Composure
Player Comparison Table
| Player | Position(s) | Projected Overall | Potential | Age in 2026 | Primary Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kevin De Bruyne | CAM, CM | 90 | 90 | 34 | Passing, Vision, Long Shots |
| Mohamed Salah | RW | 89 | 89 | 33 | Pace, Finishing, Dribbling |
| Joshua Kimmich | CDM, CM, RB | 88 | 88 | 30 | Passing, Defending, Versatility |
| Alphonso Davies | LB, LWB | 86 | 91 | 25 | Pace, Dribbling, Growth Potential |
| Kyle Walker | RB, RWB | 84 | 84 | 35 | Pace, Strength, Defensive Skills |
| Luka Modrić | CM | 85 | 85 | 40 | Passing, Dribbling, Composure |
To maximize your FC 26 Career Mode success, shortlist these players at the start of your save. On January 1st, 2026, act quickly — major clubs will compete fiercely for their signatures. Securing even one of these free transfers can transform your season, giving you elite talent without touching your transfer budget, and pairing that with smart resource management such as knowing when to buy fut 26 coins can be the difference between winning silverware and falling just short.
