Signing players via Contract Expiry in FIFA 23 Career Mode is going to feel a bit like cheating, as you are able to acquire some of the best players in world football for absolutely no transfer fee.
You'll only need to worry about the player's wages, so being tight on cash won't be a big issue in these scenarios.
Find out all you need to know about Contract Expiry signings below and discover what brilliant players could be yours for free when their contracts expire in 2026.
What is a Contract Expiry signing?
A contract expiry signing is securing a player on a free transfer as the contract with their current club enters its final six months.
You sign the player on what is known as a pre-contract agreement, for the player to join your club on a free transfer when their current contract expires.
You can only sign players this way who have less than six months remaining on their contract and are over the age of 23.
Gianluigi Donnarumma (OVR 89 - POT 93)
Gianluigi Donnarumma is in the conversation for the best goalkeeper in the world, as he proved by winning Player of the Tournament at the Euro 2020 competition.
Such is the age of the Italian GK, Donnarumma will only be reaching his prime in 2026, when you are able to sign him for free!
Frenkie de Jong (OVR 87 - POT 92)
Frenkie de Jong has been the subject of A LOT of transfer speculation this summer, but the Dutchman has ended up staying in Barcelona under Xavi.
The Netherlands international midfielder is equally equipped when in attack and in defence, making him the ultimate box-to-box CM.
Joao Felix (OVR 83 - POT 91)
22-year-old Atletico Madrid and Portugal international striker Joao Felix has only shown glimpses of brilliance since arriving in Spain.
By the time you reach 2026 in Career Mode, Felix will have established himself as one of the outstanding forwards in Europe and would be an incredible signing for free.
Pedri (OVR 81 - POT 91)
Another Barca player, Pedri looks to be the future not just for the club, but his national Spain side too.
Already a top talent at 19 years of age, he will keep getting better and better, becoming one of the best players in the game in FIFA 23 Career Mode.
Mike Maignan (OVR 87 - POT 90)
Mike Maignan made an excellent start to his AC Milan career, lifting the Serie A title in his first season and reportedly set to be bumped up towards the 90 POT he had in FIFA 22, with his 87 OVR FIFA 23 card leaked.
The Frenchman will be 30 years of age in the summer of 2026 and will undoubtedly be one of the best GKs in world football.
Florian Wirtz (OVR 80 - POT 90)
A potential superstar in the making, the German teenager is already contributing with goals and assists in the Bundesliga for Bayer Leverkusen.
By the time you can get him for free he will be well on the way to reaching his potential 90 OVR rating.
Jadon Sancho (OVR 84 - POT 89)
England winger Jadon Sancho didn't exactly get off to the best start upon his return to Manchester, having only netted three Premier League goals during the 2021/22 season.
The Red Devils forward will still be one of the most exciting talents in FIFA 23 and is worth keeping an eye on during your Career Mode campaign.
Achraf Hakimi (OVR 84 - POT 89)
Achraf Hakimi has made a great start to life in a PSG shirt, helping the Parisians reclaim the Ligue 1 title in his first season.
The Morocco international's incredible pace and potential make him one of the stand-out right-back options in the entire Career Mode database.
Dayot Upamecano (OVR 82 - POT 88)
If you're looking for a quick centre-half to bolster your defensive ranks, then look no further than Bayern Munich baller, Dayot Upamecano.
The France international's potential will mean by the time it is 2026, he will likely be an 85 OVR or 86 OVR at the bare minimum.
Edmond Tapsoba (OVR 80 - POT 87)
Edmond Tapsoba will be hot property once 2026 comes around, with the Bayer Leverkusen centre-back having a potential of 87 OVR.
The tall defender could be the perfect 'meta' centre-half for your side, with brilliant pace, defending and physicality stats that will no doubt improve.