Beat the big clubs: 5 release-clause gems in FM26 that deliver elite value and long-term success | OneFootball

If there’s one thing that can aid your recruitment in Football Manager, it’s a release clause. Negotiations can be tiring in the game, so unearthing top talent with release clauses can be a huge help.

Some, like these listed, represent fantastic business, with price points that will prove to be bargains down the line.

Five release-clause gems in FM26

Danilo Doekhi - Union Berlin (£7m)

Danilo Doehki can be signed for just £7m at the start of your game and for that modest fee you’ll attain a centre-back capable of providing value to almost any side.

The Dutch defender is in his prime years at 27, and boasts a number of impressive statistics. Scores of 16 stand out for heading, strength, bravery and determination, alongside a 17 jumping reach for the 6ft 3in defender.

Elsewhere, he’s got 14+ for marking, anticipation, concentration, leadership, positioning, teamwork, work rate, balance and natural fitness. That’s a well-rounded defender by any metric. There aren’t many better at this price, so move quicklybefore Europe’s top teams do.

Omar El Hilali - Espanyol (£13m)

Omar El Hilali develops into one of the best right-backs in the game inFootball Manager 2026 and can be signed for just £13m in the first window.

The Moroccan right-back is at Espanyol inLa Liga, but he won’t be there long as top teams circle. With a versatility to play right across the backline and the potential to become elite, make your move for the 21-year-old early.

Eric Martel - FC Koln (£8.75m)

Eric Martel’s release clause expires in the first summer of your save, so do not waste time with this one.

The German defensive midfielder has fairly average technical attributes, though does boast 15 for tackling. However, it’s his mentals that are genuinely elite.

Martel has scores of 16+ for aggression, anticipation, bravery, determination, and teamwork, alongside top physicals for balance, stamina and strength (all 16).

For just £8.75m, that’s a steal.

Angelo Stiller - Stuttgart (£34.5m)

A release clause on the higher side, but one well worth the price.

Angelo Stiller’s release clause at Stuttgart is just £34.5m at the start of your FM26 save, a figure that can purchase you a genuinely elite midfielder.

Stiller starts with a whopping 12 attributes all scored at 15+, including 17 for passing and vision, alongside 16s for stamina, teamwork and decisions, and 18 for composure.

He’s a readymade deep-lying playmaker for any team in world football.

Fisnik Asllani - Hoffenheim (£26m)

A good goalscorer can make or break a team’s season. Fisnik Asllani looks like real value in FM26, available for £26m from Hoffenheim.

The 22-year-old stands at a towering 6ft 3in, but is far more than a typical target-man. His technical skills are excellent, with 14+ for finishing, dribbling, first touch and technique.

Nurture him correctly and the Kosovan will be a real handful.