Football Manager 2024: Top Budget Forwards for Success on a Tight Budget
Key Takeaways
- Dennis Johnsen: A versatile winger with elite dribbling and agility, available for only £4M.
- Samu Castillejo: A high-speed winger with crossing prowess, priced affordably at £5.2M.
- Strategic budget forward choices can drastically enhance your team’s offensive capabilities without breaking the bank.
In Football Manager 2024, an effective forward is essential to a team’s success. Without strong attacking players, teams will often find themselves scraping by with draws and missed victories. For budget-conscious managers, here’s a guide to the best affordable forwards, perfect for tight budgets but with the skills to make a real difference on the pitch.
1. Dennis Johnsen – High-Agility Winger for £4M
- Price: €1.3M – €4M
- Best Position: Winger
- Age: 25
Dennis Johnsen is a steal for teams in need of an agile winger. Known for his incredible Dribbling, Technique, and Agility, Johnsen can glide past defenders and push attacks forward. While most players of his caliber come with a high price tag, Johnsen is available for a budget-friendly £4M. His attributes like Acceleration (15) and Off the Ball movement make him an excellent choice for teams aiming to make impactful plays without spending heavily.
Attributes:
- Finishing: 8
- Heading: 5
- Positioning: 5
- Acceleration: 15
- Natural Fitness: 11
2. Jackson Muleka – Pressing Forward for Counter-Attacking Styles
- Price: €1.2M – €5M
- Best Position: Striker
- Age: 23
Jackson Muleka is a versatile striker, particularly valuable for teams employing a high-press tactic. Muleka’s strengths in Teamwork and Work Rate allow him to disrupt opposition defenses effectively. His impressive stamina makes him a constant threat throughout the game, and his role as a Pressing Forward can help weaker teams win back the ball in advanced positions, creating unexpected goal-scoring opportunities.
Attributes:
- Finishing: 13
- Heading: 12
- Positioning: 10
- Acceleration: 13
- Natural Fitness: 14
3. Samu Castillejo – Pacey Winger with Impressive Crossing
- Price: €1.9M – €5.6M
- Best Position: Winger
- Age: 28
Samu Castillejo’s value lies in his speed and crossing ability, making him a solid option for teams focused on wing play. As a winger, Castillejo offers quick runs down the touchline and has the dribbling skills to challenge defenders. His reasonable price of £5.2M and well-rounded stats in Acceleration, Pace, and Dribbling make him a solid choice for teams needing quality without overspending.
Attributes:
- Finishing: 10
- Heading: 5
- Positioning: 9
- Acceleration: 15
- Natural Fitness: 13
4. Luis Muriel – Experienced Goal Scorer for Top Divisions
- Price: €2M – €5.8M
- Best Position: Striker
- Age: 32
Although 32, Luis Muriel remains a valuable addition for top-tier teams needing a seasoned striker. His high Dribbling, Technique, and First Touch make him an ideal choice for breaking through defenses and scoring. Muriel’s impressive stats allow him to deliver consistent results when managed strategically, offering teams in top leagues an affordable primary striker with proven abilities.
Attributes:
- Finishing: 15
- Heading: 9
- Positioning: 2
- Acceleration: 14
- Natural Fitness: 12
5. Gabriel Strefezza – Creative Right-Winger with Great Acceleration
- Price: €2M – €6M
- Best Position: Winger
- Age: 26
Gabriel Strefezza’s skills as a right-winger add width to any attacking lineup. With high Agility and Acceleration, he keeps defenders on their toes, allowing his team to control the game’s tempo. Strefezza’s above-average Crossing and Technique help him consistently deliver accurate passes into the box, making him an excellent choice for teams needing a playmaker at a reasonable price.
Attributes:
- Finishing: 12
- Heading: 4
- Positioning: 11
- Acceleration: 15
- Natural Fitness: 13
6. Lucas Palma – Rising Young Talent for a Bargain
- Price: €110K – €350K
- Best Position: Striker
- Age: 20
Lucas Palma is a diamond in the rough, offering immediate value with the potential for further growth. His excellent Finishing and Off the Ball stats make him a promising choice for teams needing a reliable young striker. With impressive physical attributes such as Agility, Acceleration, and Balance, Palma is a significant asset for clubs looking to develop young talent.
Attributes:
- Finishing: 15
- Heading: 11
- Positioning: 10
- Acceleration: 15
- Natural Fitness: 14
7. Sergio Araujo – Veteran Striker with Leadership Skills
- Price: €3.4M – €10M
- Best Position: Striker
- Age: 31
Sergio Araujo brings experience and leadership to any squad. Known for his high Work Rate, Araujo is capable of rallying the team when it matters most. His well-rounded stats in Flair and Technique allow him to create opportunities and even score decisive goals during critical moments. Teams in need of a leader on the pitch will find great value in Araujo without exhausting their budget.
Attributes:
- Finishing: 12
- Heading: 13
- Positioning: 8
- Acceleration: 13
- Natural Fitness: 12
8. Kiril Despodov – Set Piece Specialist with Blazing Speed
- Price: €5.2M – €15.5M
- Best Position: Winger
- Age: 26
Despodov excels as a left-winger with set-piece expertise, making him a unique and valuable addition for any team that can afford his £3.5M price tag. His strengths lie in Acceleration, Pace, and Flair, with an ability to capitalize on long-distance opportunities. If your team lacks a strong free-kick taker, Despodov’s skills could be the key to scoring off corners and free kicks.
Attributes:
- Finishing: 13
- Heading: 11
- Positioning: 9
- Acceleration: 16
- Natural Fitness: 14
9. Sebastian Palacios – Veteran Winger with Stamina and Pace
- Price: €1.4M – €4.2M
- Best Position: Winger
- Age: 31
Sebastian Palacios is a seasoned winger whose high Acceleration and Stamina allow him to play full matches despite his age. His high Work Rate makes him a relentless force on the right side of the pitch. Clubs looking for a consistent performer who can endure the physical demands of the game will find Palacios an excellent fit.
Attributes:
- Finishing: 12
- Heading: 6
- Positioning: 9
- Acceleration: 16
- Natural Fitness: 15
10. Divock Origi – Versatile Striker with Long Shot Capability
- Price: €875K – €4.4M
- Best Position: Striker
- Age: 28
Formerly a key player at Liverpool, Divock Origi has both physicality and skill, making him a versatile forward. Origi’s excellent Long Shot stat adds an extra threat to his playstyle, capable of scoring from outside the penalty area. His Technique and Dribbling are ideal for bypassing defenders, making him a solid addition for any team in need of a cost-effective, multifaceted striker.
Attributes:
- Finishing: 13
- Heading: 12
- Positioning: 7
- Acceleration: 13
- Natural Fitness: 11
FAQs
Who is the best budget striker in Football Manager 2024?
For a budget striker with consistent goal-scoring abilities, Jackson Muleka is a top pick with his high Teamwork, Work Rate, and pressing capability.
How can I find cheap forwards with high potential?
Scout players under £5M with key attributes in Finishing, Acceleration, and Work Rate. Young players like Lucas Palma often come with strong stats and room for growth at a low cost.
Why is a pressing forward useful in Football Manager 2024?
Pressing forwards like Jackson Muleka put pressure on defenders, creating turnovers and increasing your team’s offensive opportunities ideal for high-intensity, counter-attacking strategies.
This guide equips you with the insights to maximize your budget while securing effective forwards. Whether you need a seasoned striker or a young talent with potential, these budget players in Football Manager 2024 can strengthen your offense without the high price tag.