Football Manager 2023 is here, which means you can jump in now and get started in your new career.
With that in mind, we want to take a look at the best contract-expiry players you can sign for free at the end of the first season.
FM23 Pre-Contract Players
Pre-contract players are any individual that is over the age of 23 that is entering the final year of their contract.
These players can be secured for simply the price of their wage, with no fee involved.
Here are the best players that can be signed at the end of your first season in FM23.
Cristiano Ronaldo
The first of two GOATS on this list, CR7 will be available for FREE at the end of the first season in FM23.
He isn't getting any younger, but how good would it be to have this goalscoring machine in your side, even if it is only for a season or two.
Lionel Messi
The second GOAT who needs no introduction, we already know that Lionel Messi will be one of the most exciting pre-contract players available in Football Manager 2023.
A talented winger with plenty left in the tank, you'll have to free up some wages if you're going to snap up this Argentine dynamo.
Memphis Depay
Depay has been shunned at Barcelona, but there's no doubt that this versatile forward will be more than good enough to do a job for your side.
Able to play out wide or through the middle, signing Depay could massively improve your squad depth.
Youri Tielemans
There aren't many teams in world football that would turn down the chance to sign Youri Tielemans for free, and we think you need to be all over this potential deal.
A phenomenal talent with plenty of room to grow, you'll have to battle the rest of the division in order to secure the Belgian's services.
Wilfried Zaha
There aren't many better wingers in the Premier League than Wilfried Zaha and 2023 could finally be the year that the Ivorian takes a step up.
Certain to cause havoc for opposition defenders, we think you should be giving Zaha the very best end to a glowing career.
Best of the Rest
It's not only the top stars above that are available, but this selection of players could also prove invaluable to your team in Football Manager 2023 as you look to reach the next level.
| Name | Club |
|---|---|
| Marco Asensio | Real Madrid |
| Ilkay Gundogan | Manchester City |
| Naby Keita | Liverpool |
| Fred | Manchester United |
| N'Golo Kante | Chelsea |
How to sign pre-contract players
If you're managing Morecambe, you aren't going to be securing Ronaldo's signature, but the same applies to all players irrespective of rating/profile.
When January arrives, locate the player you wish to sign on a pre-contract and hover over the 'contract' section of their profile.
If you've done your research correctly, an 'approach to sign' option should appear in this dropdown, allowing you to enter into contract talks with the player.
Simply click the option and do your best to bring in a bargain superstar.