Unlock MLS scouting secrets in Football Manager. Discover hidden gems, emerging talent, and future stars to boost your squad's success.
Mastering MLS Scouting in Football Manager: Uncover Hidden Gems and Future Stars
Welcome to the latest article on our pages. Regular visitors and readers of our posts already know our content team brings you informative articles, guides, and opinions on the globally popular Football Manager franchise. Our FM blog covers various versions of the game over the years, including Football Manager 2016 through to the latest release. Browse our pages, study the articles, and become a better, more successful player.
Today, we focus on Major League Soccer and how our expert team uses their experience to scout the MLS for players with big-game experience, the best of the emerging talent, and the wonderkids that can add excitement to your squad. The MLS is often under-used by Football Manager players, but it's a treasure trove of talent, including rising stars. If you know where to look, you could find a great deal or two by signing MLS stars to your team.
If you follow the MLS, you'll know the competition has improved in recent years following heavy investment. Some of the game's best players have featured in the top US soccer league over the years, with armchair fans and those betting on MLS following David Beckham, Thierry Henry, Kaka, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and Carlos Vela. Trying to tempt high-earning stars to your club can prove difficult and costly. But there's another option for managers eager to harness the potential of the MLS: in-depth and detailed scouting.
Keep reading as our content team explains how you can properly scout the MLS to find the next big thing in North America. With the FIFA World Cup 2026 jointly hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, now is the perfect time to pay closer attention to Major League Soccer.
Structure
MLS has a unique structure that differs from most European leagues. Understanding this structure is crucial for effective scouting. MLS operates under a salary cap system with various mechanisms, such as Designated Players, Allocation Money, and the SuperDraft. Knowing how these mechanisms affect player contracts, transfer fees, and squad composition can help you identify players who might be available at a bargain price or those who fit within your team's wage budget.
Designated Players (DPs) are typically higher-profile players who earn more than the salary cap allows. Due to their experience and skill level, these players often have higher ratings in Football Manager. Meanwhile, younger players or those on Generation Adidas contracts may have lower wages but high potential, making them ideal targets for long-term development.
Designated Players (DPs) are typically higher-profile players who earn more than the salary cap allows. Due to their experience and skill level, these players often have higher ratings in Football Manager. Meanwhile, younger players or those on Generation Adidas contracts may have lower wages but high potential, making them ideal targets for long-term development.
Focus on youth
MLS is increasingly becoming a breeding ground for young talent, with clubs investing heavily in their academies. Scouting for youth prospects in MLS can uncover players with high potential ability (PA) who may still need to develop fully. Utilize your scouting network to focus on players aged 15-20, particularly those who have been recently promoted to the first team or who are starring in the MLS Next Pro, the league's reserve division.
These young players might have attributes that are still developing but could grow into top-tier talents with proper training and game time. Players like Alphonso Davies (before his move to Bayern Munich) or Gianluca Busio (before moving to Venezia) were examples of high-potential youth players who could be signed for relatively low fees but develop into stars.
Ignore the stars
While Designated Players often attract the most attention, MLS is full of lesser-known players who can offer great value. Many talented players in the league don't have the same star power as DPs but possess the skills and attributes that can strengthen your squad. Use your scouting team to watch games and generate detailed reports on players who might be flying under the radar.
Focusing on players who might not be household names but have solid technical and mental attributes can lead to finding players who are excellent value for money. For instance, players from Central and South America or African leagues often enter MLS without much fanfare but can become standout performers in Football Manager.
Scouting tools
Football Manager offers a variety of in-game tools that can help you scout MLS effectively. Use the "Player Search" function to filter MLS players by key attributes such as pace, finishing, or passing, depending on what your squad needs. The "Scout Priorities" feature allows you to instruct your scouts to focus on MLS, ensuring you get detailed and up-to-date reports on the league's talent pool.
Additionally, the "Scouting Centre" provides reports on potential signings based on your criteria. Make sure to set the scouting region to North America and specify MLS as a focus area. By refining your scouting parameters, you can target players who meet specific criteria, such as contract expirations or those with high potential.
Contracts
MLS has a specific calendar for player contracts, with many players' contracts expiring at the end of the calendar year. It provides an opportunity to scout players who might be available on a free transfer or at a reduced price. Players with expiring contracts are often willing to negotiate pre-contract agreements, allowing you to sign them for free once their current deal expires.
Use the "Contract Expiry" search filter in Football Manager to identify MLS players in the final six months of their contracts. It is a great way to secure experienced players or potential stars without paying a transfer fee, freeing up resources for other areas of your squad.
MLS SuperDraft
The MLS SuperDraft is an annual event where teams select players from the collegiate system and other eligible players. While not all draftees make an immediate impact, the SuperDraft is a valuable source of young talent. Players picked in the early rounds often have high potential and can be developed into first-team regulars.
In Football Manager, you can scout the SuperDraft before it takes place, identifying players who might be worth acquiring. The SuperDraft offers a low-cost way to bring in young talent who may not demand high wages initially but could develop into key players with the right guidance.
