The best signings for Championship sides on Football Manager 2022
By Tom Gott
So, you've decided to take on the gruelling task of gaining promotion from the Championship on Football Manager 2022.
What awaits you is a 46-game schedule that is notoriously tricky to navigate without a deep squad that is full of quality, so you need to make sure you've built a squad that is ready to compete.
Whether you want a free transfer, a wonderkid or just a straight-up bargain, here are some tips.
Free agents
Saphir Taider
The smartest thing you can do once you start your new save is dip into the free agent market and find Taider. The 29-year-old is an excellent ball winning midfielder who will be among the division's best players.
Nigel de Jong
Dutch anchorman De Jong's best days are behind him, but the 36-year-old would still be a great addition for any side looking for promotion. Just don't expect him to play much of a role when you get to the top flight.
Ahmed Elmohamady
Elmohamady's versatility - he can play anywhere on the right - makes him a valuable addition for any side. The Championship's hectic schedule can be a killer.
Smart signings
Adrian Mierzejewski
Chongqing
Mierzejewski usually lands himself a move to the top half of the Championship early in FM22. The 34-year-old winger is technically excellent and available for a modest £230,000.
Juanpi
Al-Ain
You'll have to pay £2.9m to land Juanpi, but that's more than fair for a 27-year-old winger with nice stats and some solid resale value.
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William Troost-Ekong
Watford
Troost-Ekong is on the transfer list at Watford and available for a cool £4m. He's not top-flight material but he's more than good enough to get your team there.
Renan
SEP
19-year-old Renan is a must-sign. You'll have to settle for a loan deal as the centre-back, whose potential range is 140-170. He's more than happy to join on his £7,000-a-week wages and SEP will humour a future fee of £10m, but he's only just signed a new contract and doesn't want to talk permanent deals just yet.
Young prospects
Tim Ronning
Elfsborg
There are 12 goalkeepers in the Championship with a higher current ability than Tim Ronning, but the 22-year-old could soon be better than them all if he reaches his potential of 155. He'll cost you £2.7m.
Moises Ramirez
Independiente del Valle
20-year-old Ramirez, also a goalkeeper, has the same current ability as Ronning but a more modest potential of 139. He's still a smart buy for just £625,000.
Santiago Gimenez
Cruz Azul
Gimenez's 15 finishing should be enticing. He's not ready to be one of the Championship's top strikers just yet, but his potential of 145 should convince you to take a chance. He's yours for £3.8m.