Build a squad for the future with the best cheap Football Manager 2023 hidden gems. Here we profile 10 cheap hidden gems in Football Manager 2023, so you can make the best cheap signings on FM23.
If you ask any scouts about their best achievements they will probably tell you all about the time they discovered a hidden gem many years before they got their international breakthrough. When these best scouts travel all the corners of the world and have seen thousands of players each year it’s understandable it’s something special when a player with world class potential is spotted. The same goes for all us armchair managers when scouting in Football Manager 2023.
Many of us spent ridicules of time setting up scouting assignments to spot the best wonderkids and young players with the highest potential, myself included. If you’re downloaded our FM23 wonderkids shortlist you might have noticed there are a bunch of wonderkid bargains which you can sign for a ridicules cheap fee.
Today it’s time to look at some of the cheap wonderkid bargains, as well as profiling some of the other cheap Football Manager 2023 hidden gems you need to sign.
About the Football Manager 2023 hidden gems by Passion4FM.com
The list of Football Manager 2023 cheap hidden gems by Passion4FM.com builds upon the research done when creating both the FM23 Wonderkids shortlist, the list of cheap wonderkids in FM23 and our massive list of Football Manager 2023 bargains which was released earlier this week.
In fact, we have saved these special talents simply for this piece!
Rather than bringing you a list of the best young talents in Football Manager 2023 which is normally based in one of the top 10 leagues, I have scouted a number of smaller nations across the globe to find those cheap hidden gems that could shine on the international stage five years into future.
To find these cheap Football Manager 2023 hidden gems I’ve taken advantage of my extensive scouting network established at Benfica. It includes scouts with extensive knowledge of Serbia, Colombia, Hungary, Slovenia, Romania, Poland, Norway, Croatia, Mexico and Bulgaria.
To enhance the value of this post, I’ve split up the post in two sections for you. At first, I’ll be profiling the best cheap hidden gems in Football Manager 2023 under the age of 23. Then, I’ll look at some potential cheap signings you can make that that will improve your squad depth as these players got the current ability to play in a side hunting for a top 5 spot.
My criteria when scouting for hidden gems in FM23:
In my search for FM23 cheap hidden gems there are three important parameters I’ve followed to put some limitations for my scouting focus.
- The players must be under the age of 23
- The overall transfer cost can’t be more than €2Million. In fact, the cheaper, the better!
- The players must have the potential to play at the highest level of football, despite their current abilities are a bit too far away from being considered an important player immediately. Or, that will depend on which club, and its playing level, you’re in charge of…
So without any further ado, lets take a closer look at some of the best cheap Football Manager 2023 hidden gems!
Yerson Chacón – Deportivo Táchira
Age: 19
Position: AMRL
With major interest from Celtic, Sampdoria, Sporting CP, Lazio and RB Salzburg, the Venezuelan winger is probably the one player in FM23 you’ll be needed to fight the hardest for. Simply take a closer look at Yerson Chacón‘s player profile in Football Manager 2023!
As the current level of player attributes, especially when it comes to quickness, stamina, technique and anticipation at the level of being able to play for a top club in Belgium, Holland, Portugal, Spain or France in near future, it’s quite understandable he acquire interest. For the low price of somewhere between €400K to 1Million, you can get a player that will see his value increase by 200% after finalized transfer.
Yerson Chacón can be used on both wings and brings a mix of unpredictability and trickery to his game. Able to drift past his marker by taking advantage of dribbles and quick change of directions, the young Venezuelan inverted winger is a press resistant player who can both retain possession in small pocket of spaces as well as making those crosses into the box that catches the opponent off guard.
Yerson Chacón is a must-sign player on Football Manager 2023. He can become a player who can play at the highest level of football. Future Ballon D’Or winner? I highly doubt it, but still!
Best Role: Inverted Winger Attack
Appr. Transfer Cost: €350K-1Mill
Moisés Ramírez – Independiente del Valle
Age: 21
Position: Goalkeeper
The Ecuadorian club Independiente del Valle is one of the clubs with the best youth training facilities in FM23. In my research, I came across a number of talents that could be acquired for a cheap.
Along with Jhoanner Chávez and Marco Angulo, my attention went immediately to Moises Ramírez player profile. The 21 year old goalkeeper is part of Ecuador’s World Cup 2022 squad, and if he gets game time at the Qatar 2022 World Cup his value will skyrocket.
In FM23, Moisés Ramírez has brilliant physical attributes. Able to quickly change positions and make saves by top notch reflexes. His eccentricity of 16 and poor decisions might be something that make a few of you shy away from him, but by working on his positioning and composure, you’ll have a player who can dominate inside the penalty area at corners, or other crossing situations, penalities and if the opponent comes clear on goal.
Best role: Sweeper Keeper (Attack)
Appr. Transfer Cost: €100K-1Mill
Daniel Ruiz – Millonarios
Age: 20
Position: AMLC
For years, Colombia have been the place to find cheap hidden gems and great newgens. At Millonarios, a club which is probably best known for being the club of former Football Manager bargain Wuilker Fariñaz, we find Daniel Ruiz.
The 20 year old inverted winger was bought by Millonarios in January 2022, when they payed €775K for the Fortaleza CEIF talent. This season he has impressed on the pitch by making 11 assists and scoring 9 goals in 55 appearances – something that have acquired the interest of Barcelona.
In FM23, Daniel Ruiz was one of my first signings. Not only due to his potential, but his quickness with the ball at his feet, low centre of gravity and ability to drive past opponents by dribbles and change of direction.
The player is also great at finding space for himself to come to finishing opportunities and got that special technique needed to play a possession-oriented Tiki-Taka tactic. He could be used both as an inverted winger, inside forward or as an advanced playmaker who takes advantage of the space behind a lone striker.
For around €2Million in Football Manager 2023, there’s nothing to hesitate about as you’ll be likely to sell the player for over €15million within one to three years.
Best Role: Inverted Winger
Appr. Transfer Cost: €2-4Mill
Sebastian Kosa – Trnava
Age: 18
Position: DC / DM
The 18 year old Slovakian defender got his Fortuna Liga debut at the age of 16. Since then the 191cm tall defender has received over 60 matches for Trnava. He’s been used both as a central defender, defensive midfielder and central midfielder.
With great decision-making, aggression and acceleration, as well as great abilities in aerial situations, Sebastian Kosa got a brilliant foundation to succeed at the highest level. In FM23, he’s a diamond in the rough as much development is needed, but if you manage to max out his potential he’ll be a player who can become a regular starter in Holland, Italy, Belgium or English Sky Bet Championship and below.
Best role: Central Defender (stopper)
Appr. Transfer Cost: €100K-400K
Uros Kabic – Vojvodina Novi Sad
Age: 18
Position: Winger (right)
You must probably think I have a soft spot for technical gifted wingers, and I do! Uros Kabic is another with the quickness and flair to add creativity and pace from the wing.
What caught my attention is his vision, anticipation and finishing – meaning he will probably create both chances and be on the finishing end of chances if you use him in the Inside forward role.
Best role: Inverted Winger (support)
Appr. Transfer Cost: €80K-800K
Asen Mitkov / Levski Sofia
Age: 17
Position: Central / Attacking Midfielder
If you got a weak heart for players with flair and excellent vision then you might probably enjoy the on-the-ball skills of Asen Mitkov. The attacking midfielder is considered to be one of the most talented youngsters in Bulgaria these days.
The advanced playmaker shines between the lines behind a more powerful target forward. From here, he can take advantage of his wonderful technique and vision to make through balls or key passes that unlocks the opposition’s lines.
Whether you use him in the AMC position in a 4-2-3-1 or as a Mezzala in a 4-3-3 is up to you, but for under €500K you’ll get a player who can become a regular starter in the Spanish, Italian or Portuguese top leagues.
Best role: Advanced Playmaker (Support)
Appr. Transfer Cost: €100K-500K
Jesús Castillo – Cristal Res.
Age: 21
Position: Defensive Midfielder
When a player is wanted by a club like FC Nordsjælland, you understand he has potential to develop into a great player. When you look at Jesús Castillo’s overall capabilities there’s no doubt about his skills.
Even though he might lack the determination to reach his highest potential, his player profile in FM23 which has most of the key attributes for his defensive midfielder position at 13, you understand he could become a great cheap bargain.
I particular enjoy his level of positioning, work rate, teamwork, aggression, tackling and passing which makes him into a great ball-winning midfielder. He even got decent vision and anticipation to become a great prospect as DLP-D.
For under €375K he could easily be the biggest cheap hidden gem in FM23. If you sign him, let us know how he performs in FM23!
Best role: Ball Winning midfielder (Support)
Appr. Transfer Cost: €40K-375K
Enes Sali – Farul Constanta
Age: 16
Position: Winger – Left
The last cheap Football Manager 2023 hidden gem under 23 I wish to look at is one of the most promising talents in Romania. At least who I know of. As part of our FM22 Nextgen Talents database, Enes Sali was one of the new wonderkids and talents I was excited by ahead of FM23 release.
The 16 year old Inverted Winger is available on an approach to sign at the start of a new save which means you’ll be paying a compensation fee of €2.4Million, but is valued between €150K-1.5Million.
![Enes Sali 2022/2023 ● Best Skills and Goals ● [HD]](jpg/hqdefault-27.jpg "Best Cheap Football Manager 2023 Hidden Gems")
Anyway, the young Romanian whizkid at Farul Constanta is a diamond in the rough. Don’t get put off by his player profile as he can develop into a world-class player.
Standing out for his low center of gravity, dribbles and great ball control, he’s one who can open up the opposition’s lines with his movements and driving runs with the ball at his feet. Focus on improving his anticipation, decision-making and final third skills and you’ll have the next cheap Neymar.
Best role: Inverted Winger (Attack)
Appr. Transfer Cost: €2.4Mill (Compensation fee)
More FM23 Hidden Gems Under-21
- Anders Børset (16) – DLC – Molde – €210K-2M
- Jhoanner Chávez (20) – DL (WBL) – Independiente del Valle – €55K-500K
- Robert Popa (19) – GK – U Craioba – €180K-1.8M
- Mitja Ilenic (17) – D/WBR – Domzale – €120K-1.2M
- Ante Crnac (18) – AMRL/ST – Slaven Belupo – €230K-2.3M
- Niko Rak (18) – DM – Sibernik – €110K-1.1M
- Luka Lukanic (18) – AMC – Dinamo Zagreb – €140K-1.4M
- Nemanja Motika (19) – AMRL – Crvena Zvezda – €275K-2.7M
- Stefan Lekovic (18) – DC – Crvena Zvezda – €110K-1.1M
- Mateusz Legowski (19) – DM/MC – Pogon – €180K-1.8M
- Igor Strzalek (18) – M/AMC – Legia II – €75K-750K
Other Cheap Hidden Gems in FM23 | 5 Cheap Signings Over the Age of 23
Dória – Santos Laguna
Age: 27
Position: DC
At the age of 19, Dória was one of the biggest defender talents coming through in Brazil. The former FM wonderkid was quickly purchased by Marseille and the world seemed to lay in front of his feet. After being loaned out for two years to aid his development, he received 23 apps for Marseille before Rudi Garcia entered the manager seat, something that would impact on Doria’s career. After an unsuccessful spell in Turkey, the defender was offloaded to Mexico where he has played regular first team football for the last five seasons.
At Santos Laguna, the strong and brave defender has secured over 136 appearances. The game time has resulted in him scoring 11 goals – most probably from aerial situations.
Available for under €2.5Million, Doria is one of the better cheap hidden gems you can find. Able to play both in a back three system as a wide-centre back, or in a back four as a ball playing defender, his Anticipation, Aggression, Bravery and Strength will be welcomed at any minor teams with limited transfer budget.
Appr. Transfer Cost: €2-4Mill
Juan Escobar – Cruz Azul
Age: 27
Position: DC (DR)
Sometimes, you can find a playr with a level of atributes that far exceeds their value. One of these undervalued players is Juan Escobar. The Paraguayan central defender got international standard positioning and anticipation. Brilliant wok rate and teamwork which makes him reasons enough to spend a million or two on him!
However, in FM23, the central defender is available for less than €300K. Able to play as a fullback due to his stamina (14), decent quickness and 13 in passing, Juan Escobar is a player who could bring depth to your squad, regardless of where you manage. I would look to sign him up if I’m playing in Portugal or La Liga 2, but that doesn’t mean he could be a great prospect for a club just below the top 10 teams, such as Everton, West Ham or Anderlecht.
Appr. Transfer Cost: €70-300K
Palkó Dárdai – Fehérvár
Age: 23
Position: Winger (right/left)
Palkó Dárdai was born in Berlin in 1999 and is the oldest son of former Hungarian international Pál Dárdai. Palko received his debut for Hertha Berlin as early as in 2017 after being a regular starter for their second team. Ahead of 2020 season he moved to Fehérvar to revive his career.
There he has received 46 appearances, scoring 7 goals whilst making 6 assists. His current abilities is probably most suited for the 2.Bundesliga but what a decent bargain you could make! Decent quickness, stamina and teamwork. From the right side he could cut inside to get in the best position to curl the ball from outside the penalty box with his left foot.
The Inside Forward also got above average technique, dribbling and vision. Something that could be developed further if you’re managing a club with top notch training facilities.
José Juan Macías – Chivas
Age: 22
Position: Forward / Winger (left)
At 20, José Juan Macías had his break through season by scoring 19 goals in 38 appearances at the Mexican club, León. JJ who came through the renown Chivas academy was quite surprisingly let go by Getafe after only six month at the club. It became a race against clock to find a new club and luckily his home grown club came to rescue.
Despite an unsuccessful European affair, the abilities of José Juan Macías makes him into a candidate for other top European clubs to get him back overseas. His finishing of 15, technique and Determination caught my attention. Include his acceleration of 14, off the ball of 14 and long shots and you’ll have a great Inside Forward who can attack the space behind the opposition lines, or shoot from distance to try to catch the opponent off guard.
the approximate transfer cost might be on the higher end of the scale, but in return you’ll have an international standard player which you can sell for profit five years into future.
Best role: Inside Forward (Attack)
Appr. Transfer Cost: €500K-4Mill
Alan Medina – Liverpool FC (URU)
Age: 24
Position: Winger (right)
Looking for a player who can provide width by hugging the touchline? Alan Medina might be the perfect signing if you’re managing beneath the top division. His acceleration and pace let him get past his marker and attack down the wing. Ask him to make crosses towards a target man and you’ll see multiple assists from this simple attacking strategy.
The Uruguayan winger also got great ball control and technique to retain possession if needed, but can also be used in the Inverted Winger role instructed to make penetrating runs between the channels.
The player is on an outgoing contract with Espanyol one of the clubs interested in his services in my save.
Best role: Winger (Support)
Appr. Transfer Cost: €90K-900K
Download FM23 Hidden Gems Shortlist
Get the Football Manager 2023 hidden gems shortlist and find nearly 50 cheap signings in FM23.