Signing players without paying a transfer fee is every cash-strapped manager’s dream. So every year it pays to check the FM27 free agents on day one. According to the FM Blog database, there are 1734 unattached players at the start of the game. Some are huge names, and there are several Portuguese players among them.
We picked the international highlights, the Portuguese players and the Portuguese-speaking ones. That way, you know who to look for before the market opens.
| Player | Nation | Age | Position | ABI/POT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Karim Benzema | FRA | 38 | ST | 74/92 |
| Riyad Mahrez | ALG | 35 | AMR | 74/83 |
| Christian Eriksen | DEN | 34 | AMC | 73/85 |
| Francesco Acerbi | ITA | 38 | CB | 73/80 |
| Oleksandr Zinchenko | UKR | 29 | DL | 72/83 |
| Raphaël Guerreiro | POR | 32 | DL | 72/80 |
| Raheem Sterling | ENG | 31 | AML | 69/90 |
| Jadon Sancho | ENG | 26 | AML | 69/89 |
| Sergio Ramos | ESP | 40 | CB | 67/87 |
| Renato Sanches | POR | 28 | CM | 67/74 |
| Mário Rui | POR | 35 | DL | 64/76 |
| Ricardo Pereira | POR | 32 | DR | 61/83 |
The best free agents at the start of FM27. Data: FM Blog
How to read the ABI and POT ratings
FM Blog uses two ratings of its own: ABI, for current ability, and POT, for potential. Both go from 1 to 99. In other words, they are not the game’s Current Ability or Potential Ability, which use a different scale. Still, they work well to compare players with each other. The site’s list only includes players who already have a decent ability in the game, so you won’t find unknown youngsters here.
The big names without a club
First, Karim Benzema. At 38, he is the strongest free agent in FM27, with 74 ABI. But he is not the only striker of note: Luuk de Jong, 35, has 71 and can still win games in the box.
- Riyad Mahrez (35, RW): has 74 ABI, the same as Benzema. So he is the best option on the right wing.
- Christian Eriksen (34, AM/CM): with 73, he adds creativity in midfield without costing a penny in fees.
- Francesco Acerbi (38, CB): also has 73. However, at 38, count on him for one season at most.
- Oleksandr Zinchenko (29, LB/LWB): is one of the youngest at the top and has 72. So he can last several seasons in your squad.
- Dani Parejo (37, CM): has 70 and can still control the tempo of any second-tier midfield.
Sterling, Sancho and the potential cases
Two English players deserve special attention. Raheem Sterling, 31, has 69 ABI and 90 POT. Also, Jadon Sancho, only 26, has 69 and 89. However, a high potential rating does not guarantee they will get there. Still, with regular minutes and good training, Sancho can step up.
Then there are names that still carry weight in the dressing room. Sergio Ramos is 40 and has 67 ABI. Mauro Icardi, 33, has the same rating. Finally, Wilfried Zaha (68) and Solly March (72) are good options for the flanks.
The Portuguese players you can sign
This is the part we care about most. The best Portuguese free agent is Raphaël Guerreiro, with 72 ABI and 80 POT. At 32, he plays at left back and in midfield. In other words, he is a luxury signing for any Liga Portugal side.
- Renato Sanches (28, CM): has 67 ABI and 74 POT. He is still young enough to stay for several seasons.
- Ricardo Pereira (32, RB): has 61 ABI, but 83 POT. So if you get him back in shape, he can be a very useful full back.
- Mário Rui (35, LB): with 64, he is still an option on the left.
- Iuri Medeiros (32, RW) and Fábio Martins (32, LW): have 63 and 62. So they are good wingers for a mid-table club.
- Tozé, Miguel Reisinho and David Simão: three midfielders between 61 and 62, ideal for Liga 2 or the bottom half of the Liga Portugal.
- André Moreira (30, GK): has 60 and is the Portuguese choice in goal.
Portuguese-speaking players not to miss
Besides the Portuguese, there are several Portuguese-speaking players without a club. For example, the Brazilians Fernando (38, 67), Ismaily (36, 65 ABI and 83 POT) and Willian (37, 64). In goal, Marcelo Grohe is 39 and has 62 ABI.
There are also two names from Africa. Bébé, from Cape Verde, is 36 and has 64 ABI. Meanwhile, Angola’s Manuel Benson, 29, has 61 and still has room to grow.
Careful: in your save they may already have a club
This data is from the start of the game. However, FM simulates the market from day one. So when you open the search, some of these players may have already signed elsewhere. Also, free agents usually ask for high wages and signing-on fees. So always check your wage budget before making an offer.
Our take
If you manage in the Liga Portugal, Guerreiro and Renato Sanches are the obvious signings. But Ricardo Pereira, with that potential, could be the big surprise. Still, don’t forget their age: most of these names are for one or two seasons. If you’d rather bet on the future, check the best Portuguese wonderkids in FM27 or our guide to the director of football in negotiations.
