Signing and selling players is set to become clearer—and more realistic—in Football Manager 26. To achieve this, Sports Interactive is building a real network platform for transfers.
The new user interface for transfers in Football Manager 26 is designed to offer “clarity without compromise.” To this end, Sports Interactive is building a “recruitment hub” that brings together various functions in one place that were previously scattered throughout FM.
The “recruitment targets” are intended to clearly present the requirements of the board and the fans. A quick link to squad planning allows you to identify urgent personnel needs – where does your team lack depth and quality?
The developer also provides a visual aid to keep track of existing player contracts. Players whose contracts are due to expire in less than twelve months are highlighted. This allows you to immediately see which professionals need to be dealt with.
“Requirements” and “Pitch Opportunities”
Probably the biggest innovation is the expansion of the partnership with TransferRoom. A networking platform for real clubs, players, and agents, which, according to the website, is trusted by “the decision-makers” of renowned clubs such as Borussia Dortmund, Paris St. Germain, and Liverpool FC.
The cooperation with TransferRoom began in FM24, but is now being expanded with two new features: “Requests” and “Pitch Opportunities.”
Need something? Place an ad!
“Requests” allow you to share your personnel needs directly with all other virtual clubs in the game. When creating an ad, you can specify which positions and player roles you are looking for—with and without the ball.
Additional settings options include expected playing time, type of transfer, and age profile. The ad will be displayed to all other clubs, who can then contact you with suitable players and offers.
The sporting director will present you with the responses and make suggestions as to which of the professionals on offer could actually strengthen your team. You can then contact their agents or scout them yourself again—right up to the final negotiations.
Where are other clubs struggling?
“Pitch opportunities” are the reverse: you can see what other clubs need and whether there is a player in your own squad that you would like to transfer. The needs of your competitors can be filtered by permanent transfers and loans.
If there is a match, you can offer the professional player directly to the respective club.
The “Pitch Activity” tab gives you an overview of all the players you have offered—and all the bids that have landed on your digital desk.
Smarter scouting thanks to AI?
The distinction between player roles with and without the ball is not only relevant in TransferRoom, but also in scouting. In Football Manager 26, you can set corresponding priorities, which are now more clearly organized thanks to color coding.
Scouting reports and advice are set to become even smarter thanks to AI, as your coaching team will let you know when a player they’ve been watching is a perfect fit for your system. Further improvements are in store under the hood – you can find the deep dive here.
