Career Mode in EA FC 26 lives and dies by the signings you make. You can chase the big names, burn through your transfer budget on established stars, and hope they carry you to glory. Or you can play the long game, scout young talent, and build something special from the ground up.
The real deal of Career Mode comes down to finding players who can contribute right now while developing into world-beaters down the line. That sweet spot between immediate impact and future potential is where the best saves are built. And when you factor in budget constraints, the challenge becomes even more interesting.
This list focuses on wonderkids who offer that perfect balance. These are players you can realistically afford without breaking the bank, who can slot into your squad immediately, and who will grow into elite talents over time.
We’re talking about the future of football, available at prices that make sense for clubs operating somewhere between the lower leagues and mid-table European competition.
- 10. Claudio Echeverri – 74 rating (€10M)
- 9. Chemsdine Talbi – 74 rating (€10M)
- 8. El Chadaille Bitshiabu – 75 rating (€12.5M)
- 7. Givairo Read – 75 rating (€13M)
- 6. Joel Ordóñez – 76 rating (€15.5M)
- 5. Assane Diao – 76 rating (€16M)
- 4. Senny Mayulu – 76 rating (€16M)
- 3. Ethan Nwaneri – 76 rating (€16M)
- 2. Geovany Quenda – 76 rating (€17.5M)
- 1. Rodrigo Mora – 76 rating (€17.5M)
- Building Your Squad Around These Players
10. Claudio Echeverri – 74 rating (€10M)
Claudio Echeverri represents everything exciting about South American attacking talent. Now at Bayer Leverkusen, the 19-year-old Argentine brings creativity and unpredictability to the attacking midfield or wing positions.
His 74 overall rating means he will need some development before becoming a consistent starter at the highest levels, but that 86 potential shows exactly where he can go.
At just €10 million, you’re getting a player with genuine star quality for the price of a solid rotation option. The €54,000 wage reflects his growing reputation, but compared to what established attacking midfielders demand, this remains reasonable.
Echeverri excels in tight spaces, has the vision to unlock defences, and possesses the dribbling ability to beat defenders one-on-one.
If you run a system that relies on creative midfielders or inside forwards, he fits perfectly. Give him minutes, let him develop, and by season three or four, you’ll have a player capable of dominating games in the Champions League.
9. Chemsdine Talbi – 74 rating (€10M)
Sunderland has quietly assembled an impressive young squad, and Chemsdine Talbi represents one of their brightest prospects. The French winger operates primarily on the right side, where his pace and direct running cause constant problems for defenders.
At 74 overall with 87 potential, Talbi needs game time to reach his ceiling, but the raw materials are all there. He has the acceleration to beat fullbacks on the outside, the technique to cut inside and shoot, and the stamina to press and track back defensively.
The €10 million price and €36,000 wage make him accessible for most clubs, and his English Championship experience means he can adapt to different leagues without much trouble.
Wingers with genuine pace and high potential are always valuable in Career Mode. Talbi gives you both, along with the work rate that modern attacking players need to succeed.
8. El Chadaille Bitshiabu – 75 rating (€12.5M)
Defense wins championships, and El Chadaille Bitshiabu gives you the foundation to build a title-winning backline. The RB Leipzig centre-back combines physical dominance with technical ability, a rare mix in young defenders.
At 75 overall with 87 potential, Bitshiabu can walk into most teams and improve them immediately. His height and strength make him a nightmare for opposing strikers, while his technical development means he can play out from the back in possession-based systems.
The €12.5 million valuation represents good value for a defender of his quality, and the €29,000 weekly wage means you can afford him alongside other key signings.
Leipzig has developed a reputation for nurturing young defensive talent, and Bitshiabu continues that tradition. He has the physical tools to compete right away and the potential to become one of the best defenders in the game.
In Career Mode, where finding reliable young center-backs can be challenging, Bitshiabu solves a major problem.
7. Givairo Read – 75 rating (€13M)
Feyenoord has produced another gem in Givairo Read, a right-back or right midfielder who embodies the modern fullback profile. At 75 overall with an exceptional 88 potential, Read offers defensive solidity and attacking threat in equal measure.
What makes Read special is his ability to impact games on both sides of the ball. He can defend one-on-one, has the recovery speed to cover ground quickly, and possesses the technical ability to contribute in attack.
The €13 million price already represents good value, but the €10,000 weekly wage makes this almost too good to be true.
Fullbacks with this kind of potential and versatility are rare. Most young defenders excel either defensively or going forward, but Read does both.
In modern football tactics, where fullbacks function almost as wingers in possession, Read gives you a player who can execute that role at the highest level.
6. Joel Ordóñez – 76 rating (€15.5M)
Joel Ordóñez from Club Brugge might be the best value signing on this entire list. The Ecuadorian center-back offers elite potential at a price that almost feels like a mistake.
His 76 overall rating makes him immediately useful, while his 87 potential puts him in the same category as Bitshiabu.
What sets Ordóñez apart is the price point. At €15.5 million with only a €20,000 weekly wage, he costs less than most wonderkids with similar potential. Belgian league clubs often sell talent below market value compared to the top five leagues, and Ordóñez benefits from that dynamic.
He plays with a maturity that belies his age, reads the game well, and rarely makes the kind of mistakes young defenders are known for.
If you need a center-back who can start immediately and develop into a world-class defender, Ordóñez delivers everything you want.
5. Assane Diao – 76 rating (€16M)
Assane Diao has made the move to Como, and the Serie A environment should help develop his already impressive skill set. The young winger can play on either flank or as a left midfielder, giving managers options in how they use him.
His 76 overall rating means he can contribute immediately, particularly in attack-focused systems that give him freedom to run at defenders.
The 87 potential indicates he will develop into a top-tier wide player with consistent minutes. At €16 million with a €49,000 wage, he represents a significant but worthwhile investment for clubs looking to add pace and creativity to their attack.
Como’s project focuses on developing young players and playing attractive football, which suits Diao perfectly.
4. Senny Mayulu – 76 rating (€16M)
With Senny Mayulu from Paris Saint-Germain, you get one of the most tactically flexible young midfielders in the game. The French youngster can play as a central midfielder, striker, or defensive midfielder, which gives you options most players his age simply cannot provide.
At 76 overall, Mayulu can contribute from day one.
He has the technical ability and physical presence to compete in most leagues, and his 86 potential means he will develop into a high-quality midfielder given enough game time. The €16 million price tag reflects his current ability and PSG pedigree, while his €43,000 weekly wage sits in that manageable range for clubs with decent budgets.
What makes Mayulu special is how rarely PSG lets young talent leave at reasonable prices. The French giants usually demand premium fees for academy products, but Mayulu falls into that category where he has proven himself enough to be valuable but not so much that he becomes untouchable.
Get him early in your save, rotate him through different midfield roles, and watch him develop into a player who can anchor your team for a decade.
3. Ethan Nwaneri – 76 rating (€16M)
Arsenal has a long history of producing elite academy talent, and Ethan Nwaneri looks like the next in line. At just 18 years old, the English attacking midfielder already has a 76 overall rating and a massive 87 potential.
Nwaneri can play on the right wing, in central midfield, or as a right midfielder, giving you tactical flexibility in how you deploy him. His technical ability and football intelligence stand out immediately.
He sees passes others miss, has the dribbling skills to create space, and possesses a shooting ability that makes him dangerous from distance.
The €16 million price tag and €67,000 wage are higher than some other options on this list, but you’re paying for a player who could realistically become one of the best attacking midfielders in the world. Arsenal will fight to keep him, so you might need to wait for the right transfer window or make him a priority signing early in your save.
2. Geovany Quenda – 76 rating (€17.5M)
Sporting CP continues its tradition of producing elite young talent with Geovany Quenda. The Portuguese winger can play anywhere across the attacking midfield positions, making him one of the most versatile players on this list.
At 76 overall with 88 potential, Quenda combines current ability with elite future projection. He has the technical quality to play intricate passing combinations, the dribbling ability to beat defenders in isolation, and the vision to create chances for teammates.
The €17.5 million price reflects his quality, but the €12,000 weekly wage is surprisingly low for a player of his caliber.
Sporting has a track record of developing wonderkids and selling them for massive profits. In Career Mode, you can skip the middleman and sign Quenda before he becomes unaffordable.
His versatility means he fits into almost any tactical system, and his potential ceiling puts him among the elite young players in the game.
1. Rodrigo Mora – 76 rating (€17.5M)
Rodrigo Mora from FC Porto takes the top spot for good reason. The Portuguese attacking midfielder offers a combination of versatility, current ability, and future potential that no other player in this price range can match.
Mora can play as an attacking midfielder, left winger, central midfielder, or striker. That kind of tactical flexibility is invaluable in Career Mode, where injuries and fixture congestion demand squad depth.
His 76 overall rating means he can contribute immediately, while his 89 potential puts him in the conversation for best young player in the entire game.
The numbers tell the story. At €17.5 million, he costs roughly the same as Quenda, but that 89 potential edges him ahead. The real kicker is the €9,000 weekly wage, which is absurdly low for a player who will develop into a world-class talent.
Porto has a history of selling players once they reach a certain level, so timing your move for Mora matters. Get him early, give him consistent minutes, and watch him develop into a player who can win Ballon d’Or awards.
His ability to play multiple positions means you can use him wherever your squad needs help. Start him on the wing, move him to attacking midfield as he develops, or even deploy him as a false nine in certain matches.
Building Your Squad Around These Players
The beauty of these wonderkids is how they fit together. You could realistically sign three or four players from this list and build a young, exciting team without destroying your budget. Imagine a midfield featuring Mayulu and Echeverri, a defense anchored by Bitshiabu and Ordóñez, and an attack led by Mora with support from Quenda and Diao.
That squad would compete immediately in most leagues while having the potential to dominate Europe within a few seasons. The total investment would sit somewhere around €100-120 million with reasonable wages, making it achievable for clubs in the mid-tier of Career Mode.
The key is patience. These players need minutes to develop, and some will take longer than others to reach their potential. But if you commit to the project, give them consistent playing time, and surround them with the right supporting cast, you’ll build something special.
Career Mode rewards long-term thinking. Anyone can spend big and win now, but building a dynasty from young talent creates a save you’ll remember years later. These ten wonderkids give you the foundation to do exactly that.
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