With the release of Football Manager 2022, every man and his dog is on the hunt for those bargain buys, and everyone thinks they’ve uncovered the next Messi on their sofa on a Tuesday afternoon, and we’re no different. There are hundreds of ‘bargain buys’, ‘wonderkid signings’ and ‘superstar watchlists’ and so we are jumping well and truly on that bandwagon to start a new series of posts and creating our own FM22 watchlist for the season.

In the posts, we will highlight 3 potential signings, 1 bargain buy for a lower league side, 1 medium priced player for the Championship/League 1 level and a signing for the ‘big spenders’ of the top-divisions.

We are making notes of every player we like the look of through playing the game and our online research, however if you have uncovered a real gem, please feel free to let us know over on Twitter (@NextGoalWinBlog) and we will be sure to feature them.

So, unroll the car window and tell Jim White these lot are ‘triffic…

Big Money: Raphinha (Leeds United – £30,000,000)

This is a real big money signing in the form of Leeds United’s Raphinha. A player who has been gathering real-life interest from the likes of Liverpool and the big Spanish sides, the attacking winger/forward offers versatility in being equally capable on either flank, while at only 24/25 he can offer reliability for several years, making him a useful and quality investment. Although his stats won’t blow anyone away, with max 17 in technique, his key stats that you would want from a signing are solid, such as acceleration, agility, flair, dribbling and first touch, all the key qualities needed in his role. As seen in real life, he can be a huge threat to defenders, and although a huge chunk of any sides transfer budget, it could be the one key signing made for any top European side which will give a guaranteed 10+ goals per season and the same assists almost guaranteed.

Medium Money: Ryan Fredericks (West Ham United – £2,000,000)

Valued into the millions, and at age 28, it’s fair to say Fredericks doesn’t fit the bill for a bargain ‘wonderkid’, however what you get in return for the investment is a versatile right sided player who possesses some serious pace. With 18 acceleration, and 17 pace stats, he is a great right-sided player who can be used as anything from a general right-back up to a right sided winger. My personal recommendation would be to use Fredericks as a wing back as part of a back 3/5 system. With the aforementioned pace stats, he also has additional skills in his consistent stats all-round, with 14s in crossing, dribbling, aggression, flair and work rate. Valued at £2million, he would be a solid investment for a mid-range Championship side if you are looking to create a tactic which relies on wing-backs getting forward and crossing the ball into the box. Think BTEC TAA and you’re on the right lines.

Little Money: Momodou Jaiteh (Basel – £100,000)

Our final choice in this list, and clearly the cheapest. is the 16 (now 17) year old Jaiteh, a forward who plies his trade for FC Basel’s U-21 side currently, however is destined for the first team and beyond if his stats are anything to go by. Having moved through the ranks at his club, and also internationally, he has impressed through all age levels. On FM22, he is valued at anywhere between £50,000 and £3million, meaning he would be worth investing in early. With a wage of £200 per week, he would be perfect for a lower division side if you can convince him to join, and with at least 10 years of football in him, he could develop and fly your side through the leagues. His stats are promising, with 13s in flair, pace, fitness and acceleration, and 12s in dribbling, first touch and technique. Being able to play as a ST or LW, he offers some versatility and will be useful in any tactical setup or formation, and would be a useful addition to build with for a long-term save.