Fraser Gilbert highlights some of the best gems from English football’s second tier
The Championship is hard graft – there’s no getting around it. So building a side that can survive its challenges and compete for a Premier League place is no mean feat.
With budgets often limited too, searching for the best bargains is a necessity – but luckily, there are some great options on offer. We’ve done the hard work for you to pick out some low-value players you’ll definitely want to consider...
1. Tomasz Kuszczak (GK)
Team: Birmingham
Value: £500k
In-game stats:
Need to know: Ex-Poland international Kuszczak recently signed a new two-year deal with Birmingham City, but if you’re lucky you might just snag him on a free in FM 2017’s first summer transfer window. At 35, the talented shot-stopper remains one of the league’s best goalkeepers.
2. Darnell Fisher (RB)
Team: Rotherham
Value: £675k
In-game stats:
Need to know: The 23-year-old Fisher spent five years at Celtic before making the move to recently relegated Rotherham in August 2016. He’s a hot prospect in-game, boasting excellent determination, teamwork and pace stats. Fisher is also a versatile player, with the ability to play at right-back or on the right of midfield.
3. Tom Field (LB)
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Team: Brentford
Value: £300k
In-game stats:
Need to know: At just 19 years old in-game, Brentford’s Field is one for the future. The ‘hot prospect’ is rated as more well-suited to League One level in FM 2017, but with the potential to develop far beyond his current ability, he’s worth splashing the cash on.
4. Craig Morgan (CB)
Team: Wigan
Value: £250k
In-game stats:
Need to know: Wigan’s multi-capped Welsh defender is only valued at just over £200k in FM 2017 due (in part) to his age. Don’t write him off – the 32-year-old retains excellent qualities in heading, tackling, leadership and much more, making him a noteworthy and consistent acquisition if you can sign him.
5. Jon Stankovic (CB)
Team: Huddersfield
Value: £600k
In-game stats:
Need to know: Slovenia international Stankovic recently suffered a debilitating cruciate ligament injury in real life, but remains a key performer in FM 2017. He’s locked into a multi-year contract with his current club, so you’ll need to blow the budget to tempt the ex-Dortmund defender away from the John Smith’s Stadium.
6. Steve Sidwell (CM)
Team: Brighton
Value: £375k
In-game stats:
Need to know: Sidwell added to his honours list by gaining promotion to the Premier League with Brighton this year. The experienced midfielder remains an excellent player in FM 2017, but again, his valuation suffers as a result of his age. The 34-year-old just signed a one-year extension in real life, keeping him at the Amex until June 2018.
7. Daryl Horgan (RM, LM)
Team: Preston
Value: £825k
In-game stats:
Need to know: Preston schemer Horgan received his first cap for the Republic of Ireland back in March – the reward for a consistently impressive set of performances in recent years. The ex-Dundalk and Cork City star is a versatile winger who boasts excellent attributes in acceleration, pace, dribbling and flair.
8. Nick Powell (CM)
Team: Wigan
Value: £850k
In-game stats:
Need to know: Powell is one of the costliest players on this list, but he’s worth it – his potential suggests he can develop into a Premier League regular in time. He’s been there before, of course – the ex-Manchester United player scored his one and only goal for the Red Devils against his current employers in 2012.
9. Conor Washington (ST)
Team: QPR
Value: £825k
In-game stats:
Need to know: Northern Ireland international Washington is a prolific goalscorer in FM 2017. The ex-Peterborough striker packs excellent stats in acceleration, pace, finishing and more, while his relatively low valuation and ‘backup’ categorisation make him a realistic target for almost any Championship side.
10. Jermaine Beckford (ST)
Team: Preston
Value: £165k
In-game stats:
Need to know: Beckford has since swapped the Championship for League One’s Bury in real life, but this has yet to be replicated in-game. As it is, you can sign the much-travelled, natural goalscorer for a low cost. The ex-Leeds and Leicester hitman has the potential to achieve a 20-goal season if you’re lucky.
11. Ryan Hedges (LM, RM)
Team: Barnsley
Value: £600k
In-game stats:
Need to know: Ex-Wales U21 international Hedges left Premier League Swansea for a two-and-a-half year contract with Barnsley in January. At just 21, the talented winger enjoys impressive flair, acceleration and pace attributes, while his potential ability makes him a worthy long-term investment.
