100 wonderkids you need to sign on Football Manager 2021

It's that time of year again. The return of the sleepless nights, the worrying about whether we've made the right purchases and if everyone is going to be happy. We're not talking about Christmas - we are of course talking about the release of Football Manager.

As ever, the 2021 edition of the game is strewn with quality youngsters - many of whom are available at a cut price if you can snap them up fast enough. But don't worry about sending your scouts out for months on end, 90min's got your back.

We've compiled a list of the best 100 wonderkids on the game, so start digging into them. Though, keep in mind that while some may have very low valuations, it doesn't mean their clubs won't hold out for big money.

Get your suit on and prepare to begin the negotiations.

Goalkeepers

Maarten Vandevoordt
Genk

Vandevoordt has already established himself as permanent fixture in the Genk first-team setup. Might end up costing you a handsome lot more than his 150k valuation, though.

Andriy Lunin
Real Madrid

Lunin doesn't look like making inroads into the Madrid first team any time soon and is a regular on lists like these. Has a low release clause given he's a Madrid player.

Arijanet Muric
Willem II (on loan from Manchester City)

After numerous loan spells away from City, minutes are still proving hard to come by for Muric. Go on, be the manager to put an arm around his shoulder.

Manuel Gasparini
Udinese

An absolute bargain for any of you working on a shoestring budget. Yet to be afforded his chance in Serie A. Can potentially be picked up for cheap.

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Diogo Costa
Porto

Capped at every youth level with Portugal, Costa looks a great prospect and could flourish given the game time.

Alejandro Iturbe
Atletico Madrid

If there's one club in world football that you can by a goalkeeper or a defender from without even bothering to check their stats, it's surely Atletico.

Inaki Pena
Barcelona

Great with the ball at his feet and could be the perfect man between the sticks if you're looking to play out from the back.

Mikki van Sas
Manchester City

Another goalkeeper who is more than comfortable in possession. Rejected a move to Ajax in the summer and could be the catalyst for your team's style of play.

Ivan Martinez
Atletico Pamplona (Osasuna)

Valued at just £30,000 and although he will need time to develop, has undoubted talent.

Alessandro Russo
Virtus Entella (on loan from Sassuolo)

Plying his trade in Serie B this season but has plenty of experience at international youth levels.

Right-Backs

Moussa Wague
Barcelona

Rumoured to have been chased by a number of Premier League clubs in the summer. Finds himself well down the Barcelona pecking order so could be snapped up at a bargain price.

Takehiro Tomiyasu
Bologna

Not the cheapest of options (valued around £4m) but has bags of experience and potential. Can fill in at centre-back if needed.

Gabriel Menino
Palmeiras

Another talented young Brazilian who can also plug gaps in the midfield if your squad struggles with injuries and suspensions.

Pierre Kalulu
Milan

Tied down to a five-year deal with Serie A giants Milan so could be difficult to prise away but certainly worth inquiring about.

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Dodo
Shakhtar

A regular in the Shakhtar starting XI and with a call up to the Brazilian senior squad surely on the horizon he's a must-buy if your budget can stretch.

Victor Gomez
Mirandes (on loan from Espanyol)

Loaned out by Espanyol so clearly not in the Spanish side's immediate plans. Could be the perfect time to secure the services of the former Barcelona man.

Tomas Esteves
Reading (on loan from Porto)

A maverick on the right-hand side. Has been influential in Reading's good start to the season and will provide bags of energy.

Rodrigo Pinheiro
Porto

An exciting Portuguese youngster who has established himself in the senior setup with Porto. Get him quick before Wolves do.

Filipe Cruz
Benfica

If you want a rigid, boring back four then Cruz isn't the man for you. If you're looking for a flying right-back who will grab you assists and the occasional goal, then step right up.

Joseda
Valencia

Not exactly a utility man but can move into the centre if needed and could prove an astute buy for those who can't convince the board to cough up some extra funds.

Centre-Backs

Josko Gvardiol
Dinamo Zagreb (on loan from RB Leipzig)

We cannot stress this enough. BUY HIM NOW. Or buy him whenever you can, because he's just been signed by Leipzig for £14m and it might be difficult.

Jean-Clair Todibo
Nice (on loan from Barcelona)

Far from a hidden gem, Todibo has yet again been shipped out on loan by parent club Barcelona, and given their current financial plight you might be able to secure his services for around his £5m value.

Roger Ibanez
Roma (on loan from Atalanta)

Already has an agreed move to Roma penned in for summer 2021 so perhaps one to add to the scouting list for now. A top prospect nonetheless.

Eduardo Quaresma
Sporting CP

Chased by a whole host of European giants in the summer before signing a new deal with Sporting. A £40m release clause tells you all you need to know about his potential, but worth an enquiry with a market price of just £450,000.

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Andrea Papetti
Brescia

Papetti already has plenty of top-flight experience under his belt with Brescia and could easily be lured away from Italy following the club's relegation last season. He's even available to sign for compensation at the very start of the game, so don't waste time.

Leonidas Stergiou
St. Gallen

Yet to be tested outside of his native Switzerland so represents something of a gamble, but who doesn't love a gamble with some fake money? Spoiler: He does turn into a gem, though.

Marash Kumbulla
Roma (on loan from Hellas Verona)

Already a senior international with Albania. Plenty of top-flight experience and is still developing as a youngster. Signing for Roma next summer though on a permanent deal.

Matteo Lovato
Hellas Verona

Italy just know what they're doing when it comes to developing centre-backs. Likely will need time to settle but could prove to be a great long-term investment.

Taylor Harwood-Bellis
Blackburn (on loan from Manchester City)

Offered a few chances in Europe and cup competitions by City and sent off to Blackburn on loan. Has been with the club since the age of six so there's definitely potential there if you can persuade them to sell.

Billy Koumetio
Liverpool

No matter how tightly your board are clinging to those purse strings, you may be able to afford this promising youngster if you make your move early. Very highly thought of at Liverpool, though.

Left-Backs

Nuno Mendes
Sporting CP

Wouldn't be the first young gun to flourish into something special having started out with Sporting. Said to be on Arsenal's radar with an eye-watering release clause.

Jesus Vazquez
Valencia

La Liga giants Valencia have plenty of young exciting talent coming through their ranks at the moment, and Vazquez is definitely up there as one of the best. Is sure to go on to bigger and better things and at just 17, is valued at a measly £62,000.

Owen Wijndal
AZ Alkmaar

Wijndal is the perfect signing if you want marauding full-backs who can join in with your team's attacks. Already capped at international level with the Netherlands and one of the best young talents in the Eredivisie.

Riccardo Calafiori
Roma

Has already endured a turbulent career at such a tender age, suffering multiple knee injuries. Seen by many as the future of Roma's left side so you'll need to begin negotiations as soon as possible.

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Luca Netz
Hertha BSC

He's one for a long time down the line, but can be snapped up very early on for compensation. Develop him, and have your left back answer for years down the line.

Vitaliy Mykolenko
Dynamo Kyiv

Tipped to be on the wish list of a host of European giants including Manchester United. Full of pace and endeavour and is sure to provide a threat on the left-hand side.

Alphonso Davies
Bayern Munich

You know about him already. No words needed outside of a warning that he'll cost ya.

Noah Katterbach
FC Koln

Widely recognised as one of Germany's most promising youngsters. Katterbach has just about every facet to his game you could wish for in a full-back and would be a brilliant buy.

Juan Miranda
Real Betis (on loan from Barcelona)

Loaned out twice in the previous two seasons. but Barcelona definitely see a future for him at the club. Might take some persuading to see them part with him but worth asking the question.

Rayan Ait-Nouri
Wolves (on loan from Angers)

While Wolves do have the option of making Ait-Nouri's loan move permanent in the summer, you'd kick yourself for not inquiring. Undoubtedly a superstar of the future who already looks a class act.

Defensive Midfielders

Vitor Ferreira
Wolves (on loan from Porto)

If there's one thing you should know by now, it's that Wolves are masters of hoovering up top Portuguese talent. Nuno Espirito Santo has the option to sign Ferreira (known as Vitinha) on a permanent basis next summer, but as he's valued at just £1m he's worth pursuing.

Emmanuel Gyabuaa
Atalanta

A versatile player who can play anywhere across the midfield. Was a hidden gem on the 2020 version of the game and could well prove to be again on this year's edition.

Marko Stamenic
FC Kopenhagen

Everything you want from a sitting midfielder: physical, athletic and smooth as silk on the ball. A bargain if your side is in need of a midfield powerhouse.

Martin Calderon
Pacos de Ferreira (on loan from Real Madrid)

Happy to sit at the base of the midfield or can be pushed further forward if necessary. Doesn't look like breaking into the Real first-team setup any time soon and could be lured away with the promise of regular football.

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Eduardo Camavinga
Rennes

A superstar in the making. Became the youngest debutant for the French national side since 1914 but will cost you an arm and a leg in FM terms.

Oriol Busquets
Barcelona

Do we even need to convince you that a Barcelona player by the name 'Busquets' is probably going to be brilliant? Has been talked of as the successor to his namesake for some time.

Gustavo Assuncao
Famalicao

An incredibly disciplined, tough-tackling midfielder who has a fantastic reading of the game and looks to control the tempo of the game.

Florentino Luis
Monaco (on loan from Benfica)

A giant of a holding midfielder who looks to break up play and make simple passes to those around him. Composed on the ball and can provide the perfect link between defence and attack.

Antonio Blanco
Real Madrid

If you're in need of a midfielder who can orchestrate play and has all the tools to keep your team ticking over then Antonio Blanco is the man for you. Similar to Chelsea's Jorginho in his style of play but valued at a little bit less than the Italian.

Nico
Barcelona

A true Barcelona midfielder with plenty of guile and vision. Likes to sit deep but can push further up the field.

Central Midfielders

Ryan Gravenberch
Ajax

Gravenberch has been with Ajax since he was just eight years old, so you can already begin to get a flavour of his qualities. Stylish, creative, elegant, pacy, the list goes on. Just buy him, please.

Tiago Dantas
Bayern Munich (on loan from Benfica)

The latest off the Portuguese production line of technically brilliant playmakers. A very clever footballer who keeps himself busy and is always looking for pockets of space.

Ilaix Moriba
Barcelona

The latest big thing at Barça and has already scored in La Liga. Comfortable anywhere across a midfield three and likes to join in with attacks.

Jude Bellingham
Borussia Dortmund

There's not a lot we can tell you about this man that you probably don't already know. A sensational talent who has already made his international debut for England. His price tag will only grow as the years go by.

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Dominik Szoboszlai
RB Salzburg

It's a travesty that this man hasn't been snapped up by one of European football's behemoths yet. A fantastic carrier of the ball and someone you can rely on to produce consistently if your budget can stretch.

Romario Baro
Porto

Comfortable in a whole host of different positions so would be a great asset for any squad. Likes to protect the backline but also has the energy to get up the field.

Jamie Shackleton
Leeds

Hardly one from the bargain bin but someone who could flourish in the right setup. Has an eye for a pass and possesses a brilliant ability to spot danger before it has the chance to manifest.

Diogo Prioste
Benfica

Although Prioste is best suited to a central-midfield role, his qualities are definitely more suited to the attacking side of the game. A wand of a right foot and would be a great buy for any manager struggling to unlock defences.

Ugo Bertelli
Marseille

With a bit of time and some training, Bertelli has all the tools to develop into a fantastic midfielder. The deep-lying playmaker is highly thought of at Marseille but is worth absolute peanuts.

Kristian Arnstad
Anderlecht

Said to have been chased by both Manchester United and Milan (though you're probably realising by now that 50% of the world's population have been on Man Utd's wish list at some point). A player full of passion, drive and energy who can control the tempo of a game.

Attacking Midfielders

Pedri
Barcelona

A player we've all seen begin to flourish in the Barcelona first team. Stylish and full of guile around the area, could be just the man you need to unlock the opposition defence.

Rayan Cherki
Lyon

A hit on last year's edition of the game and sure to be the same again this year. Can be bought for a bargain price early on.

Giovanni Reyna
Borussia Dortmund

Captained the USA national side at the Under-17 World Cup so is no stranger to responsibility. Has all the ability needed to become a FM superstar.

Fabio Vieira
Porto

Brilliant in the number ten role as he looks to find space and make things happen. A fixture in Porto's senior side but worth just £1.6m early on.

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Hamed Junior Traore
Sassuolo (on loan from Empoli)

Traore is a year into his two-year loan deal with Sassuolo, with the Serie A outfit likely to make the move permanent next summer. Nevertheless, it's worth keeping an eye on the youngster given his astronomic potential.

Bruno
Real Madrid

It's not often you get the chance to buy a Real player for a figure this small, so you'll need to act quick if you're to land the teenager before interest begins to grow.

Alejandro Salas
Valencia

Another of Valencia's emerging stars, and his relatively cheap wages alongside a £50,000 valuation make him a great buy.

Naci Unuvar
Ajax

If you've not got the money to wrestle Traore from Sassuolo then Unuvar is a decent replacement. A crafty winger who's full of guile, the teenager could go onto become a world-beater.

Diogo Nascimento
Benfica

A brilliant technician who can cause defences all sorts of problems, though he lacks the physicality needed at the top level. However, at just 17, he's likely to improve in that area.

Thiago Almada
Velez Sarsfield

Rumoured to have been lined up as Leeds' replacement for Pablo Hernandez, which gives you an indication of his talent at just 19. Comfortable in a central role or in the wide areas. Can be picked up for between five and seven million.

Right Wingers

Aurelio Oehlers
FC Utrecht

Oehlers can play either left or right, but no matter where he plays he carries a constant goal-threat.

Renyer
Santos

For those with a slightly smaller budget, Santos' Reyner is a great buy. His potential is clear to see and you could be the manager to bring the best out of him.

Amad Diallo
Manchester United

Joined Manchester United in January - but it's worth keeping tabs on the teenage live wire.

Yusuf Demir
Rapid Vienna

Full of pace and energy, Demir's electric footwork will cause any full-back problems, and at just 17 he's already a feature of the Rapid Vienna first-team setup.

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Tete
Shakhtar

Already a feature in the first team, the Brazilian is a class act and has plenty of time to develop.

Luis Gomes
Sporting CP

Another potentially on his way to Manchester United. Nonetheless, again worth keeping an eye on.

Raul Moro
Lazio

A player who needs plenty of training but will be worth the wait. Agile, pacy and full of flair, the Lazio man could develop into a superstar.

Bruno Tavares
Sporting CP

Very left-footed and so likes to cut in from the right but has the technical ability to cause problems when he does venture inside. Tied down until 2025 so it may take some haggling to convince Sporting to part ways with the youngster.

Fabio Blanco
Valencia

Blanco is a project rather than someone who is going to transform your club. But with patience and training, he'll prove to be a quality acquisition.

Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty
Toronto FC

Another teenager with a huge future. Has a mature head on his shoulders and is capable of playing on either flank.

Left Wingers

Diego Lainez
Real Betis

The perfect player if you want your team to play out from the back. Lainez is full of energy and always looks to drop deep to pick up the ball from the full-back before launching an attack.

Jeremy Doku
Rennes

Although listed as a left-winger, Doku is comfortable playing on either side and can even play in a central role. His biggest asset is unquestionably his dribbling, and he's a bargain for anyone looking to add pace to their side's wide areas if you can get him.

Jaume Cuellar
SPAL

Cuellar will add buckets of energy and determination to any side. He possesses plenty of pace and knows how to find the back of the net.

Jonathan David
Lille

Surely a star of future editions and will begin to make his name at Lille in the coming seasons.

Nico Serrano
Athletic Club

Serrano can play anywhere across the midfield and is always good for a goal or an assist if your strikers are struggling.

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Shola Shoretire
Manchester United

If your board won't cough up the cash to sign Man Utd winger Shoretire then you give them an ultimatum, okay? The winger has made his Premier League debut and is already talked of as being a future superstar by those within the club.

Curtis Jones
Liverpool

We've all seen what a talent this young lad is. To break into the current Liverpool first-team setup at just 19 is pretty impressive, and with bags of ability on the ball he would be a great asset - if you can prise him away from his boyhood club.

Rodrygo
Real Madrid

Very much a rough diamond at the level he's currently playing, but if you can afford his wages then he's definitely worth the time and effort. At just 19, Rodrygo looks a great prospect and you could be the one to nurture his special talent.

Francisco Conceicao
Porto

Don't let his slight frame fool you, this winger is tenacious, full of energy and has the footballing ability to match.

Ander Barrenetxea
Real Sociedad

He'll cost you over £10m at the start of the game, but you can actually get him. Comes with Wonderkid status straight away and has huge potential to develop.

Strikers

Amine Gouiri
Nice

Having only recently signed for Nice, it's unlikely the French side will entertain offers for the youngster - but you'd be foolish not to at least ask the question given his undoubted potential.

Jordi Escobar
Almeria

A solid target man who can become the focal point to your team's attack.

Myron Boadu
AZ Alkmaar

Enjoyed a superb breakthrough campaign with AZ Alkmaar last season, notching 14 goals in just 24 Eredivisie games. If your budget can stretch then this is the man to spearhead your attack.

Wilfried Gnonto
FC Zurich

A product of the Inter youth system, Gnonto moved in search of first team football and the decision has served him well. Bagging goals for fun at youth level for Italy and his low valuation makes him a must-buy at the start. He's available to sign for compensation, so get on it.

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Matias Arezo
River Plate Montevideo

Will be a bloody superstar. And you can get a deal tied up for as little as £1.5m, with him joining you when he turns 18. Just six months to wait.

Sebastiano Esposito
Venezia (on loan from Inter)

Inter are unlikely to let Esposito go on the cheap, given he's looked lethal in front of goal at both domestic and international level. But as soon as he becomes available, you need to act fast.

Fiete Arp
Bayern Munich

Don't know if you've ever had Arp on FM before, but he scores absolutely tons of goals. Bayern don't even register him for the Bundesliga and can be picked off at around £4m-£5m.

Joshua Zirkzee
Bayern Munich

Regularly steps in when Bayern's talisman Robert Lewandowski isn't available, and the Dutchman always does a fantastic job. Physical, strong and cool as ice in front of goal, you'd be mad not to snap him up.

Marcos Leonardo
Santos

There's nothing more satisfying than plucking a hidden gem from Brazil and watching him develop into a superstar - make Leonardo your next project.

Andres Garcia
Valencia

An out-and-out centre forward who is bound to score goals given time. With just over 18 months left on his current deal, there's a chance you could snap him up on the cheap.