Uncover 10 budget-friendly centre-backs with high potential in FM24 winter update. Build a strong defence without breaking the bank.
Discover affordable wonderkid centre-backs in
Football Manager 2024 with high potential from the winter update.
Have you ever found yourself staring at your Football Manager budget, knowing your defence is leakier than a Sunday League back four—and panicking about how you’re going to find a reliable centre-back without selling half your squad?
Yeah, I’ve been there too.
In my second season with a mid-table Ligue 1 team, I was desperate. Injuries, suspensions, and a rogue red card had gutted my defence. I had about £3M to spare and a Champions League spot to chase. That’s when I fell down the rabbit hole of cheap wonderkid CBs. And trust me, I came out the other side with some absolute gems.
So if you’re in the same boat, let me walk you through 10 of the best budget-friendly centre-backs with high potential in FM24, based on the latest winter database. Whether you're managing in the Championship, Serie B, or even a rebuilding European side, these lads will hold the line without sinking your wage bill.
1. Adamo Nagalo – FC Nordsjรฆlland
Nagalo is a physical beast with 16 aggression, 14 anticipation, and 13 strength. He’s got the makings of a modern ball-playing CB, and he's also been developing at the ever-reliable Right to Dream pipeline. Perfect for a pressing system or three-at-the-back. His high work rate and ability to "play his way out of trouble" make him ideal for a proactive defensive line.
2. Abdoulaye Ndiaye – Troyes
Standing at 190cm with 16 strength and 15 jumping reach, Ndiaye is your no-nonsense brick wall. He may not be flashy, but he’s efficient. If you like to defend deep or you're dealing with a lot of aerial threats, he’s a cheap solution who can slot in and start making tackles right away.
READ ALSO: 10 Best Bargain Players You Can Sign in FM24
3. Alan Matturro – Genoa
Left-footed CBs are worth their weight in gold, and Matturro fits the bill. With 14 aggression, 13 marking and good mental stats across the board, he’s already ready for minutes in Serie A. His player traits (tries long-range passes, brings ball out of defence) make him ideal for those who like defenders to do more than just hoof it.
4. Giorgio Cittadini – Atalanta (loan at Genoa)
He’s tall (193cm), decent on the ball, and already has experience in Serie B and C. Cittadini doesn’t dive into tackles and reads the game well (positioning 14). A solid squad option who could become a regular for a mid-table side with the right mentoring.
READ ALSO: 10 Must-Sign Wonderkid Goalkeepers in FM24
5. Ilario Monterisi – Frosinone
Good jumping reach (16), heading (15), and a surprising amount of technique (10+) for a defender. Very strong in the air, ideal for set-piece specialists. He’s slightly under the radar but has what it takes to anchor a back line for years.
6. Josรฉ Marsร – FC Andorra
Ex-Barcelona youth player now bossing it in Spain’s lower leagues. Marsร is one of the best playmaking CBs on a budget with 14 technique and 13 passing. Also capable of playing DM, he’s a versatile gem for possession-heavy systems.
READ ALSO: FM24: 6 Players Who Could Be the New Messi
7. Leonidas Stergiou – St. Gallen (on loan at Stuttgart)
Value: £4.4M - £8M • Age: 21 • Nation: Switzerland
One of the most FM-famous defenders of the last few editions. Now finally maturing physically, Stergiou blends 13 marking, 14 tackling and 14 pace. Reliable, flexible, and great for ball-playing roles or aggressive back threes.
8. Saรฏdou Sow – Strasbourg (on loan from Saint-รtienne)
Already has over 50 first-team appearances and 15 caps for Guinea. A warrior-type centre-back with 15 tackling, 14 marking, and strong mental stats. Needs a little refinement, but gives you instant solidity.
READ ALSO: 10 Most Underrated Wonderkids in FM24
9. Tobias Slotsager – OB
One of the youngest on the list, Slotsager is a gem in the making. Already has 10 positioning, 12 marking, and 12 strength at 17 years old. With the right mentoring and game time, he’ll become a mainstay in top European leagues.
10. Youte – Le Havre
Youte is a hidden monster. 196cm tall, 18 strength, 18 jumping reach. He eats strikers for breakfast. While his ball skills need work, he’s the ultimate no-nonsense destroyer. Great for deep blocks or if you just need a brute force centre-back.
READ NEXT: 30 Cheap Wonderkids Under £5M in FM24
Final Thoughts
Whether you need a cultured ball-player like Marsร or a physical destroyer like Youte, this list gives you serious bang for your buck. Each of these defenders can grow into elite players or at the very least, valuable assets you can flip for profit.
Tip: Always check a player's development with your staff’s opinion on potential, and use individual training to polish weaknesses early.
Got a hidden gem CB we missed? Drop it in the comments or tag us on socials!
