Football Manager 26 News

[p][/p][p][/p][p]FM26 Update (26.2) for Football Manager 26 is now live, including all the big transfers from the January transfer windows. [/p][p]This update also includes thousands of player Current Ability, Potential Ability and Attribute changes based on performances since we locked the launch database for FM26. [/p][p]We’ve picked out some of the players with the biggest upgrades in this update, ready for you to manage, scout or sign. Let’s dive in…[/p][p][/p][h3]Mateus Mane, Wolverhampton Wanderers[/h3][p]In what has mostly been a challenging campaign for Wolves, the emergence of Mateus Mane has been a real bright spark. [/p][p]The 18-year-old attacking midfielder has established himself in the first team under Rob Edwards, becoming the club’s youngest-ever Premier League goalscorer and winning the club’s Player of the Month award for both December and January. [/p][p]That breakthrough, and the huge interest he’s attracting from other clubs, warranted a big Current Ability increase in this update – and makes him someone to watch from the off in your latest saves. [/p][p] [/p][h3]Yan Diomande, RB Leipzig[/h3][p]After making a big money move from Spain last summer, Ivorian winger Yan Diomande has been the talk of the Bundesliga this season. [/p][p]The 19-year-old has already more than doubled his value, recording 11 goals and seven assists in all competitions for RB Leipzig. [/p][p]His Finishing Attribute has been upgraded accordingly in this update, with a wider improvement to his Current Ability recognising his emergence as a new star. [/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Eli Junior Kroupi, AFC Bournemouth[/h3][p]Bournemouth’s recruitment team appear to have struck gold once again with their addition of Eli Junior Kroupi. [/p][p]Hugely prolific in France last season, the 19-year-old has quickly established himself in the Premier League with eight goals already to his credit. [/p][p]His Finishing has been upgraded, making him even better-equipped to lead the line for you whether you take the reins at the Vitality Stadium or elsewhere. [/p][p][/p][p] [/p][h3]Lennart Karl, FC Bayern München[/h3][p]A breakthrough star in FC Bayern’s UEFA Champions League campaign, 18-year-old Lennart Karl has been nothing short of a revelation. [/p][p]The diminutive playmaker has repaid the trust shown in him by Vincent Kompany and his contributions to the first team against some of Europe’s best has seen his Current Ability significantly increased.[/p][p]In terms of individual Attribute changes, his First Touch is the most notable mover, reflecting the excellent close control he’s shown on the biggest stages. [/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Antoine Semenyo, Manchester City[/h3][p]Already a quality operator, Antoine Semenyo has cemented himself as one of the Premier League’s elite attackers this campaign. [/p][p]The Ghana international had 10 goals for Bournemouth at the mid-point of the season, leading to a big money move to Manchester City. He’s already found the back of the net four times for his new club and that finishing, as well as the all-round quality of his play, has led to an improvement in his Current Ability. [/p][p]He’s not the only City to receive an upgrade, with fellow new arrival Marc Guehi, Rayan Cherki, Nico O’Reilly and Max Alleyne all recognised for their strong starts to the season. [/p][p][/p][h3]Claudio Braga, Hearts[/h3][p]The standout of Hearts’ William Hill Premiership title challenge this season, Claudio Braga has rewarded the faith the club put in his underlying data in Norway. [/p][p]The Portuguese attacker has scored 15 and assisted six in 35 appearances across all competitions for the Jambos.[/p][p]Braga’s Heading is now up to 14, meaning he’ll be primed to nod home from the crosses put in by similarly upgraded teammates like Jordi Altena, Michael Steinwender and Alexandros Kyzridis.[/p][p] [/p][p][/p][h3]Viktor Dadason, FC Kobenhavn[/h3][p]FC Kobenhavn’s young players have long proved popular with FM players and we think Viktor Dadason is set to be the latest to join that list. [/p][p]In October, the teenage striker scored for the Danish side in the UEFA Champions League. That made him the third youngest goalscorer in competition history, a milestone he then improved on in November when he became the youngest player to score twice in the tournament. [/p][p]That rapid emergence for the Icelander has seen him receive one of the biggest upgrades in this update, and makes him a significant one to watch in your latest saves. [/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Reyes Cleary, Barnsley FC[/h3][p]Another young player to have really stepped up this season is Barnsley’s winger Reyes Cleary. [/p][p]Winner of the EFL Young Player of the Month award in November, Cleary has recorded a total of 21 goal involvements in 37 games in all competitions this season and currently sits as Sky Bet League One’s top assister.[/p][p]In terms of his Attributes that have been improved, it’s really no surprise to see his Flair go up after that 60-yard worldie against Bradford City.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Yael Trepy, Cagliari Calcio[/h3][p]A newer name on this list, Yael Trepy is likely to be a very popular signing in FM26 moving forward.[/p][p]The 19-year-old striker made his Serie A debut in January and scored just four minutes after coming off the bench – making him the first French under-20 player to score on their debut in a top four league this century.[/p][p]Tall, athletic and physical, Trepy has all the makings of a modern forward and now he can contribute more to your teams from the off after a significant Current Ability upgrade.[/p][p] [/p][h3]Romeo Vermant, Club Brugge[/h3][p]Things keep getting better and better for up-and-coming Belgian striker Romeo Vermant. [/p][p]Having scored a match-winning brace in last year’s Belgian Cup final, Vermant is now a fully-fledged Belgian international and has cemented himself as Club Brugge’s leading man up front. [/p][p]He’s up to 11 goals this season in all competitions at the time of writing and it’s his all-round play that has impressed most, with his Anticipation Attribute receiving a significant upgrade in this update. [/p][p] [/p][p][/p][h3]Aaron Drinan, Swindon Town[/h3][p]Sometimes it all just comes together for a player and that’s very much been the case this time around for Irish forward Aaron Drinan.[/p][p]The 27-year-old is enjoying the best season of his career for Swindon Town, finding the back of the net 25 times in 35 games for Ian Holloway’s men. [/p][p]He’s a key part of their Sky Bet League Two promotion push and with a three-point upgrade to his Finishing Attribute in this update, he can do the same for you.[/p][p] [/p][h3]Pia Vlok, Wellington Phoenix[/h3][p]One of the biggest upgrades in this update belongs to exciting young Pia Vlok. [/p][p]The 17-year-old signed with Wellington Phoenix at the start of the season and has looked right at home ever since. [/p][p]She scored her first goal in November, became the first Phoenix player to score a hat-trick in the Ninja A League Women in February and has now been called up internationally by New Zealand. She’s got a very bright future ahead. [/p][p] [/p][h3]Danny Ormerod, AFC Fylde[/h3][p]We wrap up this list by heading to another prolific forward in the shape of AFC Fylde’s Danny Ormerod. [/p][p]The 19-year-old has been electric for the Enterprise National League North promotion-chasers, scoring 26 times and assisting six in 31 league appearances. [/p][p]His clinical finishing, ability to lead the line and ability to stand up to the rigours of a very physical league have led to a big Current Ability increase in this update – and the potential for much more in your saves. [/p][p][/p][p]These are just a select few of our favourite players for you to keep an eye on after the latest FM26 update, with thousands of changes waiting for you to discover. Let us know who you scout, sign or manage on social @FootballManager. [/p][p] ​[/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][p]FM26 Update (26.2) is now live across platforms.[/p][p]This update contains transfers from the January Transfer Window, Current Ability, Potential Ability and Attribute changes for thousands of players and staff, as well as several game additions and upgrades.[/p][p]For PC players, this update sees a change to make the Fixtures and Results card full-screen and introduces the ability to change player roles from the Tactics Visualiser.[/p][p]These changes will apply to all existing save games. To experience the data and competition changes in this update, you will need to start a new career*.[/p][p]The full changelist is available below, alongside platform-specific updates.[/p][p]This update should take effect automatically but if you have any issues, please visit our dedicated FAQ.[/p][p]The update is scheduled for release on March 10th for FM26 Mobile (Netflix). A larger update for FM26 Touch (Nintendo Switch) will follow later in the month, subject to the submissions process.[/p][p]* Rosters for certain licensed leagues whose seasons run to the calendar year will only be reflective up until the end of the 2025 season and will not include incoming and outgoing transfers made for 2026.[/p][p][/p][h3]FM26 - 26.2 Changelist (non-exhaustive) [/h3][p]Database  [/p]

• [p]Five million+ database changes since the initial release of FM26[/p]

• [p]Updated licenced headshots [/p]

[p] [/p][p]Technical Issues [/p]

• [p]Various Crash and Stability fixes [/p]

• [p]Game no longer soft locks when attempting to progress to a penalty shootout in certain competitions [/p]

• [p]Improved the User Interface (UI) responsiveness in Online Lobbies with large number of users [/p]

[p] [/p][p]User Interface (UI) [/p]

• [p]Redesigned fixtures & results page to be full screen [/p]

[p] [/p]

• [p]Added a preference for the Fixtures and Results screens to be automatically shown before and after matches in competitions the user is participating in [/p]

[p] [/p]

• [p]User is now able to change Player Instructions & Roles from the Tactics Visualiser [/p]

[p] [/p]

• [p]User is now able to view the Tactics Visualiser from the Team Shape tab from within the In and Out of Possession tabs [/p]

• [p]Fixed an issue causing the opposition formation visuals to inaccurately reflect the actual formations on the pitch after the AI makes a formation change during a match [/p]

• [p]Added Club Profile and Best XI tabs on the club Welcome Pack [/p]

• [p]Tactics - Quick Pick will no longer include players who aren’t in First Team unless you have a filter selected [/p]

• [p]Tactics – Fixed an issue causing injury indicators to remain after clearing the position [/p]

• [p]Tactics – "Hide players" option no longer filters out empty slots [/p]

• [p]Tactics - Tactic name no longer overlaps with the overall Familiarity if the name of the tactic was too long [/p]

• [p]Opposition Instructions screen will now default to Predicted Lineup instead of All Positions [/p]

• [p]Player listed in the Squad Registration screen are now sorted by position by default [/p]

• [p]User can now sort the personality column on the Squad page [/p]

• [p]You are now able to sort players by Squad Number on the Squad Numbers screen [/p]

• [p]Resolved an issue where the user could duplicate the spoken languages selected during the Manager Creation process [/p]

• [p]Fixed an issue causing the hierarchy induction pyramid graphic to display in low resolution [/p]

• [p]The text displayed in the ‘last club’ column is no longer too large when on the Squad screen [/p][p][/p]

[p]Gameplay [/p]

• [p]Increased the prominence of AI manager sackings being shown on the News screen [/p]

• [p]Players should no longer illogically get upset with manager when a transfer was cancelled due to work permit issues [/p]

• [p]Fixed an issue preventing the Director of Football to sign players that were recently on trial with the club [/p]

• [p]Fixed an issue causing some News items to incorrectly display a capital “S” after the player's name [/p]

• [p]Fixed a rare issue where some players would illogically be considering options at the end of their contract when playing at the lower levels in England [/p]

• [p]Resolved a very rare issue where playing highlights from a past match would sometimes show the wrong match [/p]

[p] [/p][p]Art & Animation [/p]

• [p]Implemented Dynamic Aging for Newgen Portraits [/p]

• [p]Fixed an issue causing distorted models to appear at the start of a match [/p]

• [p]Resolved a rare issue causing the weather to snow during matches played in Saudi Arabia [/p]

• [p]Players under armour should now always match the colour of their kit shorts [/p]

• [p]Under pitch heating should now work when on Low and Very Low graphics settings [/p]

• [p]Lowered the brightness of the pitch when playing matches at Night [/p]

• [p]Changes and improvements to manager hairstyles[/p]

[p] [/p][p]In-Game Editor (IGE) / Pre-Game Editor (PGE) [/p]

• [p]Various Crash and Stability fixes [/p]

• [p]Added Kit Editor tile to the Club Edit card (IGE) [/p]

• [p]Flamboyancy and Goalkeeping non-player attributes can now be edited (PGE) [/p]

• [p]Non-Playing History staff roles no longer appear in the Staff History and Biography as a Player role (PGE) [/p]

• [p]Functionality of the duplicate button has been fixed (PGE) [/p]

• [p]Resolved an issue causing data edits from edit files not affecting the database information during manager creation (PGE) [/p]

[p] [/p][p]Competition and Rule Groups [/p][p]Africa  [/p]

• [p]Updated rules & format for the African World Cup Qualifying [/p]

• [p]Women’s Africa Cup of Nations expanded to 16 teams [/p]

[p]Argentina[/p]

• [p]Updated the participants of the Copa Argentina[/p]

[p]Australia [/p]

• [p]Updated format rules for the Australian Cup [/p]

[p]Austria [/p]

• [p]Updated the schedules for the Austrian Premier Division [/p]

[p]Asia [/p]

• [p]AFC Champions League – Resolved an issue where the Winter Registration window would never open [/p]

• [p]AFC Women's Champions League – Updated the Schedule for 2026/27 season [/p]

• [p]China will now host the Under 20 Asian Nations Cup in 2027 [/p]

[p]Belgium [/p]

• [p]The Belgian First National Amateur Division no longer appears in game [/p]

• [p]Adjustments made to the starting times of matches on Saturday and Sunday in the Jupiler Pro League Season 25/26 [/p]

[p]Brazil [/p]

• [p]Updated a high number of formats, schedules and rules of various Brazilian State Championships [/p]

• [p]Updated the Brazilian Cup and Super Cup for the 2026 season [/p]

• [p]Updated the format, schedule, and rules for Brazilian U-20 Championship, and added the Brazilian U-20 Second Division [/p]

[p]Canada [/p]

• [p]Updated salary cap information [/p]

[p]Chile [/p]

• [p]Updated format rules for the Chilean Cup & Chilean Super Cup [/p]

• [p]Updated the Chilean First Division & Chile Cup Revenue [/p]

• [p]Updated the Chilean First Division and First Division B Match & Sorting Rules [/p]

• [p]Updated the Chile Cup Substitution rules [/p]

[p]China [/p]

• [p]Various teams given Points Deductions and Fines [/p]

• [p]Removed the 100% transfer fee tax [/p]

• [p]Updated the Chinese FA Cup Match Rules [/p]

[p]Colombia  [/p]

• [p]Updated format & match rules for the Colombian First & Second Division [/p]

• [p]Updated the Colombian First Division Discipline Rules [/p]

• [p]Updated Colombian Second Division Semi Final Draw Rules [/p]

• [p]Updated Colombian First and Second Division TV Deals [/p]

[p]Czechia [/p]

• [p]Updated the match rules for various Czech domestic competitions [/p]

[p]Denmark [/p]

• [p]A-Liga squad numbers can now be assigned from 1-99 [/p]

• [p]Updated the format for A-Liga - 2025/26 and 2026/27 seasons [/p]

[p]Europe [/p]

• [p]Countries who play in different nations will now have the correct flag displayed alongside their name [/p]

• [p]Updated the Hosts for Euro 2032 [/p]

• [p]Updated the Hosts for European U19 Championships (2027, 2028, 2029) [/p]

• [p]Updated the Hosts for Women's European Football Championship 2029 [/p]

• [p]Updated the Nation and Club Coefficients for women’s football [/p]

[p]Egypt [/p]

• [p]Updated the match rules for the Egyptian Premier League [/p]

[p]England [/p]

• [p]Resolved an issue causing some Premier League Fixtures occurring at the start of an international break [/p]

• [p]Updated Premier League Prize Money [/p]

• [p]Updated the substitution rules for FA Cup qualifying rounds & FA Youth Cup [/p]

• [p]Updated the format rules for U21/U18 Premier Division Cup & U18 Division 3 Cup [/p]

• [p]Resolved non-cat 1 English U21 clubs incorrectly qualifying for the U21 International Cup [/p]

• [p]U21 Premier Division International Cup - English teams will now correctly only play at home [/p]

• [p]WSL & WSL2 - Trialists no longer allowed to play [/p]

[p]Finland [/p]

• [p]Updated substitution rules for all league divisions, the Finnish Cup & the Finnish League Cup [/p]

• [p]Updated format rules for the Finnish First Division Championship League Cup [/p]

• [p]Updated the 2025/26 Transfer Windows dates [/p]

[p]France [/p]

• [p]French Women's Cup - Reserve Teams will no longer participate [/p]

[p]Germany [/p]

• [p]3. Liga - added rule where clubs get an automatic 9-point deduction if they enter administration [/p]

• [p]Updated the substitution rules for German Women's Cup [/p]

• [p]U21 Frauen Bundesliga players no longer need to be registered [/p]

[p]Hong Kong [/p]

• [p]Updated format rules for the Premier U22 League [/p]

[p]Indonesia [/p]

• [p]Added VAR to the Indonesian Super League & Indonesian Championship [/p]

• [p]Updated the Indonesian League Two Schedule [/p]

• [p]Removed the Piala President Cup [/p]

[p]Israel [/p]

• [p]Updated VAR rules for various competitions across Israel [/p]

[p]Italy [/p]

• [p]Resolved an issue where trophy celebration would wrongly trigger in Serie A if teams were tied on points for first place when instead a playoff game should decide the champions [/p]

• [p]Removed Extra Time from the Italian Super Cup [/p]

• [p]Removed Extra Time from the Italian Serie C Cup (except in the semifinals and final) [/p]

• [p]Added VAR to the Serie BKT & Italian Serie C [/p]

• [p]Updated VAR Rules to the Serie A Women Athora [/p]

• [p]Italian Serie C - Various clubs given points deductions [/p]

• [p]Updated the number of teams for Italian Serie C/B in 2025/26 due to Rimini being excluded from the league [/p]

• [p]Updated the Squad Rules for Serie A Femminile eBay [/p]

• [p]Updated the Schedule for the Italian U20 Primavera 3 [/p]

[p]Japan [/p]

• [p]Updated the J1/J2/J3 League Schedule [/p]

• [p]Updated substitution rules for the J1/J2/J3 Special Tournament playoff stages [/p]

[p]Malaysia [/p]

• [p]Updated the Malaysia Transfer Window dates [/p]

• [p]Updated the Malaysian Super League Squad Registration Rules [/p]

• [p]Updated the Malaysian Super League & Malaysian Cups Schedules [/p]

• [p]Updated the format rules for Malaysian Super League & Malaysian FA Cup [/p]

• [p]Updated the Malaysian A1 Semi-Professional League Transfer and Match Rules [/p]

• [p]Removed the Malaysian Football League Cup [/p]

[p]North America [/p]

• [p]Updated the format for the North American W Champions Cup [/p]

• [p]Updated the schedule for the North American Champions Cup [/p]

[p]Northen Ireland [/p]

• [p]Added the NIFL Charity Shield Competition [/p]

• [p]Extra Time added to the North West Senior Cup [/p]

• [p]BetMcLean League Cup correctly renamed to BetMcLean Cup [/p]

• [p]Updated the Sports Direct Premiership & Bet McLean Cup Scheduling [/p]

• [p]Updated substitution rules for various competitions & cups [/p]

[p]Peru  [/p]

• [p]Peruvian First Division Prize Money is now correctly distributed [/p]

• [p]Updated the Peruvian First Division Squad Registration Rules [/p]

• [p]Updated the Peruvian First Division Match Rules [/p]

[p]Portugal [/p]

• [p]Updated the Loan Rules for all divisions [/p]

• [p]Updated the format rules for the Portugal Championship & Portuguese U19 First Division [/p]

• [p]Updated the Portuguese League Cup Match Rules [/p]

• [p]Resolved an issue causing teams in Portuguese Third Division Championship Groups to incorrectly start with bonus points [/p]

[p]Poland [/p]

• [p]The Polish FA Cup Final now has the correct date [/p]

[p]Romania  [/p]

• [p]VAR added to the Romanian Cup & Romanian Super Cup  [/p]

[p]Russia [/p]

• [p]Updated the Russian Premier League Match Rules [/p]

• [p]Updated substitutions rules for the Russian Cup [/p]

[p]Scotland [/p]

• [p]Hamilton Academical given 15-point deduction [/p]

[p]Serbia [/p]

• [p]Updated scheduling for all leagues [/p]

[p]Spain [/p]

• [p]Updated the Spanish Women's Divisions and Cups Match Rules [/p]

• [p]Updated the Spanish Women's First/Second Division Squad Number rules [/p]

[p]Singapore  [/p]

• [p]Updated the Singapore Cup Schedule [/p]

• [p]Added VAR to the Singaporean Premier League/Singapore Cup/Singaporean Community Shield [/p]

[p]Slovenia [/p]

• [p]Updated the league formats due to a team going bankrupt [/p]

[p]Spain [/p]

• [p]Updated the match and squad number rules for several Spanish women’s competitions [/p]

[p]Sweden [/p]

• [p]Hammarby TFF are now correctly able to get promoted [/p]

• [p]IFK Goteborg now play in the correct stadium [/p]

• [p]Updated the Men's & Women’s Transfer Window Dates [/p]

• [p]Updated Women's Football Contract Rules [/p]

• [p]Updated the Swedish Second Division Norrland Format [/p]

• [p]Updated the OBOS Damallsvenskan Match Rules & Schedule [/p]

• [p]Updated the Elitettan Schedule [/p]

[p]South America [/p]

• [p]Updated the Copa Sudamericana Knock Out Play Off Round seeding format [/p]

• [p]Updated the Copa Libertadores Draw Dates [/p]

• [p]Updated the Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana finals host cities (2026 and 2027 seasons) [/p]

• [p]Updated the U20s Copa Libertadores 2025 and 2026 schedules. [/p]

• [p]Updated the U20s Championship Schedule [/p]

[p]South Korea [/p]

• [p]Updated the Hana Bank K League 1 and 2 Match & Squad Registration Rules [/p]

• [p]Updated the Korea Cup Match Rules [/p]

[p]Turkey [/p]

• [p]Updated Match & Squad rules for all divisions [/p]

• [p]Updated the Turkish Super Cup dates for future editions [/p]

[p]Uruguay  [/p]

• [p]Updated the Uruguayan Cup Format & Schedule [/p]

• [p]Updated the teams featured in the Uruguay Reserve Division 2025 [/p]

[p]Wales [/p]

• [p]The New Saints no longer appear as an English club [/p]

• [p]Updated the Cymru Premier Match Rules [/p]

• [p]Updated Adran Premier Contract Rules [/p]

• [p]Aberystwyth Development, Berriew Development & Barry Town Linnets are now correctly ineligible to participate in Welsh Women's Cup [/p]

[p]World [/p]

• [p]Updated Substitution rules for the Club Intercontinental Championship [/p]

• [p]Updated the men’s World Cup kickoff times  [/p]

• [p]Updated the format of ‘pairing’ 1-4 seeds for the men’s World Cup [/p]

• [p]Updated the European/South American Super Cup date and venue for the 2026 edition [/p]

• [p]World Cup Playoff-Tournament hosts have been updated [/p]

[p][/p][p]Just as in real life, getting pre-season right is essential in Football Manager 26. As well as training hard and playing friendlies, buying and selling the right players is crucial to a flying start.[/p][p]Here, we show how you can maximise FM26’s new recruitment tools in pre-season to set your club up for success in every career.[/p][p][/p][h3]Making a Plan[/h3][p]One of the first things you should do in every save, wherever you manage in FM26, is review your squad.[/p][p]Work out where you’re strong and where you’re weak, and what that means for your tactical tinkering. With those insights, you can develop a real plan of action for the transfer market.[/p][p]In this example, we’ve taken over at Manchester City. Having reviewed the squad, we’ve created a simple tactic that lines the club up 4-2-3-1 in possession and 4-4-2 out of possession.[/p][p][/p][p]Pulling this together shows where we’re strong and where we can look to add more depth to the squad.[/p][p]For example, Rico Lewis is a fantastic talent but at 20 years old it’s a lot to expect him to be first-choice for every game, particularly when we’ll be competing in four competitions throughout the season. Here, adding in an experienced player to rotate with him can only make the squad stronger.[/p][p]Up front, we’ve got the world’s best striker in Erling Haaland. Very few players can match his all-round ability but to make sure we get the most from him, we’ll need to rotate him to try and avoid any costly injuries. Another striker here, a backup, would be a good depth addition.[/p][p]We also have to consider potential departures here. For example, we have four goalkeepers in the first-team squad, so we should look to move one of them on.[/p][p][/p][h3]Getting Started[/h3][p]With those three tasks in mind, head over to the Recruitment tab in the top navigation bar.[/p][p][/p][p]If you need to adjust your transfer budget, there are two initial steps you can take. The first is adjusting your wage budget/transfer budget split, and the second is selling off any existing transfer clauses. This isn’t always the best strategy long-term, but as a quick fix it can be invaluable. Towards the bottom of the recruitment overview there’s a summary of the clauses you have.[/p][p]Having done some tinkering in this Manchester City save, we have £76m available to us to evolve our squad.[/p][p][/p][h3]Making Moves[/h3][p]To start identifying transfer targets, head to the Player Recommendations tab from the sub-menu.[/p][p]The Scouting department will have already done some work but to hone in on the needs we have, setting up Recruitment Focuses and TransferRoom Requirements will be priorities.[/p][p]Recruitment Focuses[/p][p]An existing feature from previous FMs, Recruitment Focuses are a useful tool to guide our scouts to a specific position, league or age group of interest.[/p][p]In this example, we’ve created one to identify a starting quality right-back. You can keep the search parameters as simple as just the position, or you can add in additional elements like specific In and Out of Possession roles.[/p][p]To give a broader range of candidates in the quickest time, we’ve kept ours simple and set it as a Top Priority within Europe. You can also at this stage assign specific staff to work on this but as City’s recruitment team is very strong, we’ve left it for them all to work on.[/p][p][/p][h3]TransferRoom[/h3][p]One of the new features of Football Manager 26 is an enhanced relationship with TransferRoom. This includes the introduction to the game of Requirements and Pitch Opportunities, otherwise known as TransferRoom (In) and TransferRoom (Out).[/p][p]While our recruitment focus finds us some potential new right-backs, we can use the TransferRoom tools available to do our other business.[/p][p]Requirements allow you to announce to every club in the game the type of player you are looking to sign, in the hopes that they will have such a player available to offer to you.[/p][p][/p][p]This time, I have set a particular role. It’s not practical to think that we can find a forward as complete as Erling Haaland. So instead we want somebody specifically to come on and run the channels and stretch tired defences.[/p][p][/p][h3]Pitch Opportunities[/h3][p]Pitch Opportunities are the inverse of Requirements. Rather than telling other clubs what we need, we can show them what we have to offer. This is a little more hands-on than setting a Requirement, but clubs will be listed with the profile of player they are looking for. This can be filtered if you have an idea of who you’d like to move on.[/p][p]A member of staff, in this case our Director of Football, will also be on hand to point out squad members who could potentially suit each club’s requirements.[/p][p]We don’t currently have any players that look like they might suit other club’s needs, but we can use the Loan tab to get some of our young players some senior experience. Specifically, we’re interested in offering Jahmai Simpson-Pusey to 1 FC. Köln.[/p][p]This will open the Transfer Offer screen, where we can set the terms of the loan deal and see if an agreement can be made.[/p][p][/p][h3]Offer via TransferRoom[/h3][p]There are two more options available to us – the first is offering players out via TransferRoom. This is helpful to try and generate interest in players who other clubs might not think are available, or to make sides think about upgrading an area of their side while the opportunity is there.[/p][p]I’m going to offer Stefan Ortega out on loan via TransferRoom, in the hopes of getting him regular football.[/p][p][/p][h3]Hire an Intermediary[/h3][p]The last proactive move we have is to try and move players on by hiring an intermediary to actively move a player on. This would generally be more of a last resort measure, as offering players out through intermediaries can upset them if they don’t wish to leave the club.[/p][p]Whichever route you go down, remember that several recruitment screens can be accessed from the new Bookmarks feature. If there are some that you find yourself constantly going back to, why not set them as a Bookmark and have them to hand.[/p][p]By assessing our squad, making a plan of action and using the tools available to us, we primed Manchester City for a successful season.[/p][p]Getting recruitment right isn’t always easy, and plans may need to be adapted from time to time, but with the tools available in Football Manager there are more ways than ever to master your squad-building.[/p][p][/p][p][/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][p]Football Manager 26 is now on sale across platforms.[/p][p]FM26 (PC/Mac), FM26 Console (Xbox/PS5) and FM26 Touch (Nintendo Switch) are available with a 33% discount until 6pm GMT on 26 February. Sale end dates and times vary by platform – more info is provided in the table below.[/p][p]Since launch on November 4, each title has been regularly updated to improve stability and performance.[/p][p]These updates have included:[/p]

• [p]In-game navigation improvements[/p]
• [p]Redesigns for multiple game screens[/p]
• [p]Reintroduction of in-match Shouts[/p]
• [p]Significant Match Engine enhancements to player decision-making, defensive positioning and Match AI[/p]

[p]Past save games from FM23 and FM24 can be loaded into FM26 across platforms, allowing you to experience this season’s new additions while continuing your careers. [/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]*This is the end time for the EMEA region. The sale ends at 14:59 GMT on 25/02/26 in South East Asia and Japan, and 07:59 GMT on 26/02/26 in The Americas.[/p][p]**Visuals may vary depending on user hardware. [/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][p]An FM26 update (26.1.3) is now available via Steam, Epic and Microsoft Store. This includes the re-introduction of Pass Maps (both in-match and within the Data Hub), as well as various Match AI improvements and a fix to a Hotseat mode-related crash. [/p][p]For queries about how to update on these platforms, please review this FAQ.   [/p][p]The update is also available for FM26 Console, which includes all applicable improvements from the PC and Mac changelist. You can find more details, here. [/p][p]For clarity, recent transfers from the January Transfer Window and other data changes will form part of the next game update in early March.[/p][p]The changelist for today’s update is provided below. [/p][p][/p][p]FM26 Mobile and FM26 Touch (Nintendo Switch) [/p][p]The next FM26 Mobile and FM26 Touch (Nintendo Switch) updates are scheduled for release in March. Further details will follow closer to the time. [/p][p][/p][h3]FM26 (26.1.3 Changelist (non-exhaustive) [/h3][p][/p][p]Technical Issues [/p][p]Various Crash and Stability fixes [/p][p]Fixed a Crash on Hotseat Mode after finishing the 1st match of the day [/p][p]Fixed Crash on Tactics screen when rapidly switching between In & Out Possession [/p][p]Fixed an issue causing a black screen appearing for several seconds when entering second match as hot seat manager [/p][p] [/p][p]Match Engine (Changes include but are not limited to) [/p][p]Lowered the frequency of rain in matches across all leagues [/p][p]Defensive improvements against strikerless formations [/p][p]Tweaks to the frequency that AI managers make substitutions during matches [/p][p]Improvements to how players react to shots that hit the post [/p][p]Improvements to short goal kick decisions from GK [/p][p]Improvements to wide player pressing logic [/p][p]Improvements to marking decisions from midfielders during pressing situations [/p][p]Improvements to marking of runs made from deep [/p][p]Improved dribbling logic to allow dribbler to perform 180-turns where appropriate instead of running into a dead end [/p][p]Improvements to how 'trap inside' instruction affects team shape when opposition has a goal kick [/p][p]Fixes to wide midfielders sitting too deep in 442 OOP formation in high press setups [/p][p]Channel Midfielder at CM now correctly rotates into AM strata after build-up phase [/p][p]Added ability for players to control the ball with their head in certain situations to bring the ball down [/p][p]Adjustments to OOP tactical positions of Wide AMs to now keep width better [/p][p]You are now able to select more than one player in a match to bring up the player’s name with Ctrl/Alt, Left Click [/p][p]Fixed an issue where VAR captions would sometimes display over a goal replay [/p][p]Fixed an issue where league trophy celebration wouldn’t trigger in certain leagues [/p][p]Assortment of animation fixes [/p][p]Increased the quality of the 2D Discs when on 2D Classic View [/p][p] [/p][p]User Interface (UI) [/p][p]Added Pass Maps to the Last Match section in the Data Hub  [/p][p]Added Pass Maps to the Match UI in the Formation carousel and Half Time/Full Time Reports (Full Time shown below)[/p][p][/p][p]Added Pass Maps as Dugout advice [/p][p]Added icons next to the shout instructions on the Shouts dropdown menu [/p][p]Added latest scores and live league table to in-highlights tile that opens from pressing the ‘stats' button at the top right [/p][p]Improvements made to Club League History Graph [/p][p]Fixed an issue where Latest Scores/Dugout event would inform user about a goal before it happened [/p][p]Users team is now clearly labelled on both the Tile and Card in Data Hub visuals [/p][p]Striker's shirt is no longer cutoff in Tactics tile on Match Day screen [/p][p]Player name no longer appears at the top of the sub bench when subbed off [/p][p]Fixed an issue causing Subs to display out of order in a match [/p][p]Penalties scored during a match are now visible within Post Match News [/p][p]Fixed an issue causing the Past Winners card being empty for certain competitions [/p][p]Added a formations tile in the Past Match - Match Report card [/p][p]Added a scroll bar to Tactical Styles on the Training Schedules card [/p][p]Added a carousel on the medical centre tile so users can view U21 or U18 injuries [/p][p]Fixed an issue where the incorrect Out of Possession Role tile could appear on Player Instructions > Out of Possession [/p][p]Fixed an issue causing low-res images to be present on Set Pieces screen [/p][p]Choosing Clean Slate on Tactics creator will now correctly take you to the fully populated "All" tab [/p][p]B-Team ability and potential is now correctly displayed on Squad & Player Report screens [/p][p]Resolved an issue where ‘Grey’ players in subs list could cause player positions to display incorrectly in the squad bar menu [/p][p]Fixed a very rare issue making the user unable to enter matches after using Clear Squad or Quick Pick [/p][p]The hierarchy column within Squad > Dynamics > Happiness will now sort correctly [/p][p]No longer able to select a player as a vice captain if they’re out on loan [/p][p] [/p][p]Gameplay [/p][p]Fixed an issue where B-Team staff weren’t joining the club after they were recruited [/p][p]Fixed an issue where some transfers would not display within Transfer History tool [/p][p]Staff search now displays comparable ratings to Staff Report [/p][p]Fixed a rare issue where the Board would be delighted about an objective being completed that occurred before user took over at the club [/p][p]Agents no longer illogically suggest to ‘Make an Offer Now’ alongside ‘Wait for Contract Expiry.’ [/p][p]Young players with Training Targets won’t become unhappy after a loan offer is accepted for them [/p][p]Scouted players will now appear in the Squad Comparison section of the Shortlist tool [/p][p]Tweaks to Saudi clubs making repeated lowball offers for a star player [/p][p]Teams should no longer take excessively long to appoint a new manager [/p][p]Fixed an issue within Match Meetings that would state that the team could 'qualify for the Premier League' when it should be referencing the Champions League. [/p][p]UAE clubs now have a more realistic number of first team players [/p][p]Advice button no longer shows when users manager is unemployed [/p][p]Tweaked the AI logic to ensure when you use the Ask Assistant button to select an MLS squad it will no longer breach the salary cap [/p][p]Recruitment Transfer History > Appearance column will now specify if appearances were starts or substitutions [/p][p]User will now receive a message that a requested coaching course is confirmed/rejected by the board [/p][p]User is now able to manually select coach assignments for Reserve/Youth teams [/p][p]If a player is deemed ‘Not for Sale’, the fee cited in the Media Speculation News Item will no longer display as £226m [/p][p]News articles will now make reference to a player's previous stint at the same club if they’re a former player, rather than treating them like a brand-new signing. [/p][p]Player Biographies should no longer have any inaccurate information [/p][p]Set Transfer Status action is now correctly disabled for Non-Contract Players [/p][p]The agreed transfer fee now displays correctly on Transfer Activity screen if user has negotiated a deal with an intermediary [/p][p]User will now get a summary news item about recent press conferences if media responsibilities have been delegated [/p][p]Fixed an issue causing Women's Football news story to appear under Men's News classification [/p][p]Tweaked the number of injuries occurring at AI controlled clubs within Women’s Football [/p][p]NWSL Clubs are no longer given sponsorship deals with relegation clauses within Women’s Football [/p][p]Adjustments made to female player wage demands in the Australian League [/p][p] [/p][p]In-Game Editor (IGE) [/p][p]The Editor icon is now correctly enabled when on the First Team card [/p][p]In-game currency will no longer change if user edits financial information with the IGE tools [/p][p]Nation information now visible on lists when moving a player using the IGE [/p][p]Hidden columns on 1-20 scale are now correctly colour coded [/p][p]User can now add multiple Club Affiliations to a player [/p][p]“Move to my club” option now showing on all unemployed staff [/p][p]Added confirmation dialog when moving a person to a role that is taken or maxed out [/p][p]Fixed ‘Become Unsackable’ incorrectly appearing as right-click action when multiple players were selected [/p]