The Best Right-Backs to Sign on Football Manager 2021
By Ross Jackson
Alright, so going out and making a new right-back your primary target when you first begin your save on Football Manager 2021 might sound a bit boring, but don't you dare go all Tony Pulis on us and just shove the first centre-back you see out there!
The modern-day full-back is an integral part of any starting XI. Not only do they need to be defensively astute, but they also need to have the legs to support the attack and provide quality in the final third when they get there - not an easy task.
So, instead of just making do with whatever you've got at your disposal when you first take the reins, have a look at our list of the best right-backs you can sign on the game, with every budget catered for.
Cheap Options
Sergey Petrov
Krasnodar
For just £2m the Russian represents great value for money if you're looking to build a solid defensive unit. The 29-year-old isn't going to get you ten assists a season, but he's physical and reliable.
Tomasz Kedziora
Dynamo Kyiv
The Poland international isn't going to be in the running for the Ballon d'Or anytime soon, but he's dependable, tough, energetic and most importantly for just £3.5m he's very cheap!
Junior Caicara
Istanbul Basaksehir
The Brazilian's boundless energy and ability with the ball at his feet mean he's the perfect option for anyone looking to play expansive football with a threat from the wide areas.
Danilo D'Ambrosio
Inter
D'Ambrosio is entering the twilight of his career and so you might only get two or three seasons out of him at the top level, but for £5m there aren't many better options if you're working on a tight budget.
Timothy Chandler
Eintracht Frankfurt
Still with plenty of football ahead of him at the age of 30, Chandler has solid stats and can cover in either full-back position. Plus, if you do decide to go all Tony Pulis on us, he can throw a ball really far... just what everyone looks for in a footballer.
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Thierry Correia
Valencia
Everyone Football Manager addict loves a project - especially one that's going to cost you barely anything and has the ability to become a world beater. Correia will cost you no more than £2.5m from Valencia, and at 21 the foundations are already laid for him to thrive under your stewardship.
Jeremie Frimpong
Celtic
The Dutchman will need time to settle and he's far from the finished article, but at 18 he's got plenty of time to improve defensively and has lightning pace to be able to cause the opposition problems if you afford him licence to bomb forward.
Tito
Free Agent
Can cover anywhere across the backline, won't cost you any money and his wages aren't expensive either. We're not suggesting the veteran can be a mainstay in your team for the next ten years, but if you're strapped for cash then he's your man.
Nathaniel Clyne
Crystal Palace
Had the game been released a few months earlier, this man would have been available on a free transfer - damn you Crystal Palace. Still, £3m isn't a lot to pay for a player as talented as Clyne who unbelievably isn't even 30 yet.
Roberto Rosales
Leganes
Pacy, athletic, a good technician and has the fitness levels to keep working on the right-hand side - Rosales is a snip at a little over his £2.6m valuation.
Reasonable Options
Daniel Wass
Valencia
The Danish full-back can cover a number of positions including in midfield, but he's best suited to the right-back role. A consistent performer who won't let you down.
Andre Conti
Milan
You'll have to bide your time with the Milan man who's sidelined for at least two months when you first start your save, but he's worth the wait for the player you'll have at your disposal when fit.
Denzel Dumfries
PSV Eindhoven
It's no surprise that a number of clubs are interested in the Netherlands international from the off, especially when you consider he's available for just £10m.
James Tavernier
Rangers
Looking for a right-back with an absolute wand of a right foot? Then look no further. Tavernier is yours for less than £10m and his wages won't break the bank either.
Rick Karsdorp
Roma
Karsdorp is a great addition to any team looking to attack from the wide areas. He's far too good to be playing a bit part role at Roma and you can take advantage by swooping in with a bid of £6.5m.
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Mattia De Sciglio
Juventus
The Old Lady are keen to move on the Italy international and so incredibly a bid of just £5m - despite his £10.75m valuation - will secure the services of a solid defender who can cover on the left and right.
Leo Dubois
OL
If you ask Lyon how much they want for Dubois, the cheeky sods will say they want offers in the region of around £20m, but after some swift negotiations he's your for around £14m.
Zeki Celik
Lille
The young Turkey international is a real bargain. At 23, he's a great option for any mid-table team looking to bolster their defensive ranks, and with the right training he could grow into a real talent.
Lars Bender
Bayer Leverkusen
The German is available for around £10m, and while that may seem a little expensive for a player in his early 30s, his tough-tackling and ability to slot into midfield when needed make him a great asset to any team.
Pavel Kaderabek
Hoffenheim
Kaderabek is another who can fill a number of roles if your squad begins to become stretched through injuries and suspensions. Particularly adept going forward, the Czech full-back has pace to burn and will be a constant outlet for you down the right-hand side.
Expensive Options
Ricardo Pereira
Leicester
You'd be forgiven for thinking Leicester wouldn't be parted with the talented Portuguese right-back, but £30m and it's a done deal. However, you will be forced to wait three months as he continues rehabilitation from injury.
Hans Hateboer
Atalanta
At just 26, Hateboer still has his best years ahead of him, and for just £18m he's a must-buy if you're keen to use the bulk of your transfer budget on other areas of the squad.
Alvaro Odriozola
Real Madrid
Pacy, agile and boundless energy, Odriozola is your archetypal modern-day right-back. There's time for development at just 24, and Madrid won't take much persuading once you offer slightly more than his £21m valuation.
Sime Vrsaljko
Atletico Madrid
There must be something in the Madrid water, because across the other side of the Spanish capital is another quality full-back. Talent and price tag will be no issue for you, but Vrsaljko's injury record may well be - keep him fit once he's completed rehabilitation from his current injury and you're onto a winner.
Kieran Trippier
Atletico Madrid
He might not immediately spring to mind when you try and list the best right-backs in the world, but when it comes to available ones who are experienced at the top level and actually aren't very expensive compared to the other names in this category, he's a decent option.
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Dani Carvajal
Real Madrid
I mean, do we even need to convince you that this man is an unbelievable signing? One of the best right-backs in world football and he's yours for a mere £38m...alright, it's a lot of money - but he's worth it.
George Baldock
Sheffield United
Don't let the Blades' poor start to the season cloud your judgement of this man. One of the most solid right-backs on the game and can be signed for under £20m.
Mario Gaspar
Villarreal
Far from your cool, modern-day right-back who's going to spend his life camped in the opposition's half, but a tough-tackling defender who's also available for less than £20m.
Danilo
Juventus
His stint in the Premier League was hardly one to remember and his defensive discipline may be lacking slightly (we're not really selling this to you here, are we?). BUT, going forward he's one of the best around, so if your side's style of play relies on width and pace in the wide areas, he's a good buy (promise).
Sergino Dest
Barcelona
Time to take advantage of the cash-strapped Spanish giants, right? Nope, not quite. We'd love to tell you they'll accept a bid of £12m for their newest prospect, but they're just not. It'll take upwards of £40m to wrestle him away from Catalonia, but if you've got the money he's going to develop into one of the best on the game.