For any virtual manager try to build a contender from the ground up in Football Manager 2016, one of the key steps will be identifying key free agents to pick up in lieu of expensive transfers.
Not every unemployed footballer belongs on the scrap heap. Some former stars such as Emmanuel Adebayor or Ronaldinho have been in the wrong system or hurt too much to make an impact for their teams. Others are simply on the wrong side of 30 and not seen as being worth their salary demands instead of giving them a chance.
But CaughtOffside knows better, and with our help, we can identify which players in the free agent market can benefit your team no matter which club you decide to manage when the game comes out.
Here are the ten best Football Manager 16 free agents:
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10. Kevin Nolan
Key Stats – Heading: 18, Strength: 17 Wage Demands: £12k-25k
Older, cheaper option who can still find the goal despite his age.
9. Chinedu Obasi
Key Stats – First Touch: 16, Acceleration: 14 Wage Demands: £20k-40k
8. Ezequiel Schelotto
Key Stats – Pace: 16, Strength: 14 Wage Demands: £11k-23k
7. Stipe Pletikosa
Key Stats – Handling: 14, Command of Area: 13 Wage Demands: £8.25k-17.25k
6. Marat Izmailov
Technique: 16, Passing: 14 Wage Demands: £6.75k-12k
5. Michu
Key stats – First Touch: 14, Passing: 14 Wage Demands: £20k-40k
The former Swansea star can revive his floundering career for those willing to take a cheap risk.
4. Ricky Alvarez
Key Stats – First Touch: 16, Passing: 16 Wage Demands: £28k-50k
3. Ronaldinho
Key stats – Technique: 20, Dribbling: 18 Wage Demands: £35k-55k
A slightly more expensive, but otherwise worthwhile, risk to take on the former Barcelona star.
2. Ron Vlaar
Key stats – Tackling: 16, Determination: 17 Wage Demands: £20k-40k
Still plenty of tread on his 30-year-old tires, Vlaar can still be a solid defender.
1. Emmanuel Adebayor
Key stats – Finishing: 13, Heading: 15 Wage Demands: £50k-100k
When weighing the risk/reward with the former Arsenal & Tottenham forward, just remember that Adebayor has managed to put up double-digit goals in two of his last four seasons at White Hart Lane