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Lower league gems you need to sign in Football Manager 2018
The 11 best bargains from the EFL Leagues One and Two.
Lower league management is one of the hardest challenges you can undertake in Football Manager. Being forced to work within the confines of a paper-thin budget means there's little room for error, and the few players you do sign can make or break your managerial reign.
For that reason, it's crucial to identify as many high-quality, low-cost players as possible to bolster your setup. We've done some of the hard work for you, scouting out 11 of the top talents from the EFL Leagues One and Two.
Goalkeeper: Rory Watson (Scunthorpe)
Scunthorpe's Rory Watson is a hot prospect in Football Manager 2018
© Sports Interactive
This ex-Hull youngster is one to watch in FM 2018, sporting the ability to become a high-level keeper in seasons to come. Rated as a 'hot prospect' by Scunthorpe in-game, Watson benefits from 14 rushing out, 13 concentration and 12 handling stats, but only performs at a Vanarama National level from the outset. Sink enough time into his development, however, and the £67k shot-stopper has fantastic potential.
Defender: Donervon Daniels (Wigan)
You won't be able to snag Wigan's Daniels until the summer of 2018 – the result of a season-long loan at League One Rochdale. The terms of this deal can occasionally lead to the Montserrat-born defender being relegated to 'backup' status, however, making a potential transfer easier to negotiate. It's certainly worth considering, as the strong, reliable centre-back can develop into a Championship-quality defender in time.
Defender: Patrick Bauer (Charlton)
Charlton's Patrick Bauer has the potential to play in the Premier League
© Sports Interactive
The majority of English lower league teams will advise you to sign Charlton's Patrick Bauer at all costs. The primary reason for this is his potential ability, as the German centre-back can transition into a decent Premier League defender in the coming years. For now, you can take advantage of his excellent heading, jumping and tackling attributes, combined with an impressive set of physical stats across the board.
Defender: Jonny Burn (Bristol Rovers)
Promising centre-back Jonny Burn is currently on loan at York City, having joined the Minstermen back in November. This has yet to be replicated in FM 2018, however, allowing you to pursue an immediate transfer in-game. Valued at just £88k, the Rovers defender is best suited for League Two football, but can blossom into a leading Championship star in time, making for a superb bargain buy in the lower leagues.
Defender: Ryan Haynes (Coventry)
Left-back Ryan Haynes is one of League Two's top prospects. The Coventry player has good stats for pace, dribbling and stamina, while his young age means there's considerable room for improvement. He's valued at a fairly high £275k by a club which recognises his impressive potential, but given his relatively short contract and the Sky Blues' League Two status, there's every chance you'll be able to tempt him away from the Ricoh.
Midfielder: George Maris (Cambridge)
Managing a League One Club? Sign Maris now!
© Sports Interactive
Despite boasting fantastic potential in the English lower leagues, Cambridge's George Maris is classed as a 'rotation' player in FM 2018. That said, the 21-year-old's skills possess plenty of room to develop, with 13 determination and 12 dribbling featuring among his best. Maris is one for the future if you're managing a League One club (or above), but given his low initial valuation, he's worth pursuing early before other clubs take notice.
Midfielder: Ryan McLaughlin (Oldham)
Northern Ireland international McLaughlin is valued at a whopping £975k, but begins a new game with just 12 months left on his contract. Yes, you could potentially sign the talented right-winger on a free transfer in June of 2018, but expect plenty of competition for his signature. Once of Liverpool, McLaughlin enjoys an array of high-level attributes in FM 2018, combined with the potential to play Premier League football.
Midfielder: Joe Rothwell (Oxford)
Joe Rothwell joined Oxford from Manchester United
© Sports Interactive
Oxford's Joe Rothwell is a creative, versatile League One talent, having joined the U's from Manchester United in 2016. First spotted by the Red Devils at the age of six, Rothwell's natural ability translates impressively in-game, with the midfielder boasting 16 determination, 14 dribbling and 14 passing stats. With just 12 months left on his existing deal in FM 2018, you might just bag a bargain if you're lucky.
Midfielder: John O'Sullivan (Carlisle)
Irish midfielder John O'Sullivan can adapt to almost any midfield or attack-minded position due to his well-rounded abilities. His overall stats aren't much to shout about in FM 2018, but his potential is – he can develop into a Championship-level player given the right attention. You should be able to lure the ex-U21 international for a bargain £150k, acquiring a proficient, versatile talent for use in League One or Two.
Striker: Liam Mandeville (Doncaster)
Upon receiving the EFL Young Player of the Month award for November 2016, Darren Ferguson enthused about Liam Mandeville's qualities. "He's got good vision, he can finish with both feet and he's very good technically," said the Doncaster boss. That statement rings true in FM 2018, with the 20-year-old boasting a superb 15 finishing stat in-game. His potentially steep asking price won't suit every team, but he's an outstanding buy if you can match his £275k valuation.
Striker: Jonson Clarke-Harris (Rotherham)
Jonson Clarke-Harris boasts good strength stats
© Sports Interactive
Clarke-Harris set the record as Coventry's youngest first-team player with a Carling Cup appearance back in 2010. The 23-year-old has since made his way to Rotherham United, but he missed the majority of the 2016/17 season with a cruciate ligament injury. Regardless, the forward has great finishing, strength and pace stats in FM 2018, and despite his hefty valuation, can be acquired for a reasonable fee.
