If you're thinking about starting Football Manager 2022 as PSG, Manchester City, or even Newcastle, you won't need these players, but for anyone who wants to write their own story with a team from the lower divisions, here are the best free agents in FM 22 we think will come in handy.

Of course, no player these days is truly "free" thanks to agent fees, contract wages, and the like, but there's a lot to love about landing quality players without a transfer fee and weaving their story into your own. Imagine turning a discarded, unloved player into one of the best in the world - or at least a legend at your club?

If you're trying to save some money (or just plain don't have any), here are the best free players you should check out in Football Manager 2022.

Who Are the Best Free Footballers in FM 22?

Daniel Alves

Age: 38 Position: Right-back Wage: £29k Last club: Free agent

A true legend of the game, Dani Alves would make an excellent right-back for a season, or at the very least a solid alternative or cup player.

While he's no longer blessed with pace (no surprise, considering he's approaching his forties), Dani Alves still has all the ability in the world. He also has fairly modest wage demands. If you think he'll be useful, don't think twice - give him a season and see what he can do.

Joris Gnagnon

Age: 24 Position: Centre-back Wage: £22k Last club: Sevilla

Joris Gnagnon is a bit of an anomaly in football. Despite being only 24, he made just seven appearances for Sevilla over three years and never suffered an injury that would explain sitting on the bench so much.

Looking at his attributes, it's hard to understand why he didn't play more. With a strong CB rating (just look at that Strength), and excellent positioning and mental attributes, Gnagnon would do more than a job at most top-flight clubs. Move fast: all of France will be lining up to sign him.

Jack Wilshere

Age: 29 Position: Defensive and Central Midfielder Wage: £16.5k Last club: Bournemouth

Poor Jack Wilshere. The player who once tore Barcelona apart and had the football world at his feet deserves better than being one of the best free players in Football Manager 2022. Still, if you want to craft a redemption story, Wilshere is probably one of the best players to do it with.

While he's genuinely weak physically (getting through ninety minutes is nearly a miracle), Wilshere has all the mental and technical attributes to do a job at most lower-division teams in Europe. He even has correspondingly modest wage demands, so if you're willing to gamble on the injury risk and want a big midfield name, give Wilshere a call.

Nabil Bentaleb

Age: 26 Position: Defensive and Central Midfielder Wage: £34k Last club: Schalke 04

A player who's frustrated and delighted fans at many of his previous clubs, Bentaleb has always felt on the verge of a breakthrough but never quite gotten there. After a frustrating spell at Schalke, to say the least, he's starting Football Manager 2022 as a free agent.

Standing out as a mezzala, Bentaleb is a solid option in the middle of the park, backing up what we said with very good physical attributes and good passing traits as well.

Paulinho

Age: 32 Position: Defensive and Central Midfielder Wage: £51k Last club: Al-Ahli

A player entering the twilight of his career (though he's spent a while now moving to China and then Saudi Arabia), Paulinho stands out as a former Barcelona and Tottenham talent who could fill a gap for at least a season.

Above average in almost every attribute, Paulinho is a skilled player who can carry out any midfield role you ask of him. His physical attributes will take a sharp dip in his second season, but his mental attributes will keep him relevant on the pitch throughout. His wage demands are a bit high, but signing a player who commanded £100 million in transfer fees over his career for free is hard to pass up.

Koke Vegas

Age: 25 Position: GK Wage: £10.5k Last club: Mallorca

Besides having a very cool name, Spaniard Koke Vegas still has plenty of potential to develop, but there's no doubt he'll at least be a solid alternative for most teams in Europe.

With solid handling, reflexes, and general game intelligence, he has almost every attribute you'd want in a backup goalkeeper. The matches you play with him won't be title challenges, but Vegas will absolutely give your squad reasonable depth on a sensible contract.

Iago Falqué

Age: 31 Position: Attacking Midfielder (Centre, Right, and Left), Striker (Centre) Wage: £23k Last club: Benevento

A genuine creative attacker, Falqué could be your first-choice option in almost any attacking position if given the minutes. This former Barcelona player was never prolific, but he's always done good work.

At 31, Falqué's technique and passing make him a surprisingly good attacking midfielder, though that's ultimately a position not used in most formations. You might consider using him instead as an inside forward or on the wing as a striker.

Gastón Ramírez

Age: 30 Position: Attacking Midfielder (Centre, Right, and Left), Striker (Centre) Wage: £21k Last club: Sampdoria

An enigmatic talent for a lot of Southampton fans, Gastón Ramírez never quite managed to pull all his obvious ability together over his career, but that's good news for anyone looking for free players in Football Manager 2022.

Another creative player, Gastón Ramírez isn't the most physically gifted, but he's a perfectionist who will give you everything he's got. If you need short-term quality in midfield, get on the phone with his agent as soon as possible.

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