6 Clubs in Financial Crisis That Need Saving in FM24

Save these 6 financially broken clubs in FM24 and turn them into success stories with your managerial skills.

Discover six financially broken clubs in FM24 that offer a real rebuilding challenge for brave managers.

It All Started with One Broken Club...

You know that moment in Football Manager when you're scrolling through job openings, and suddenly, one club just calls to you? That’s what happened to me with Girondins de Bordeaux. A giant of French football now stranded in Ligue 2, haemorrhaging money like there’s no tomorrow. No budget, half the squad wants out, and the board expects promotion.

And I thought, “Yeah, go on then. This’ll be fun.”

What followed was one of the most intense, rewarding saves I’ve played in years. Every transfer had to be razor-sharp, every wage a gamble. But slowly, piece by piece, I brought Bordeaux back to life.

So if you're like me—someone who enjoys a gritty rebuild more than waltzing into Man City with £200M—these six clubs in FM24 offer the perfect dose of pain and glory.

1. Girondins de Bordeaux (France)

If you're looking for a true fallen giant, Bordeaux is it. Once champions of France, now they’re buried in debt, stuck in Ligue 2, and praying for survival. It’s not just about promotion here—it’s about restoring a legacy.

You’ll need to:

• Slash the wage bill immediately.
• Develop youth players fast, because you won’t be buying anyone expensive.
• Sell wisely—there are still a few assets in the squad.

Pro tip: Loan deals are your best friend in the first season. Also, get yourself a DoF who actually knows how to scout Ligue 2 talent.

2. Málaga CF (Spain)

Remember when Málaga played in the Champions League? Yeah, me too. Now they’re languishing in the third tier of Spanish football and it’s a mess—financially and emotionally.

You walk into:

• A broken boardroom.
• A demoralised squad.
• A dwindling fanbase.

But the potential? Massive. If you can claw them back up the pyramid, you’ll feel like a hero in Andalusia. And you might just fall in love with FM all over again.

Watch out: Youth recruitment is poor. You’ll need to invest in backroom staff early on.

READ ALSO: Fallen Giants to Rebuild in FM24

3. FC Barcelona (Spain)

Now, this one's controversial. “Barça? In crisis?” Mate, have you seen their books?

Yes, you’re managing world-class players, but your finances are so tight you can’t even renew contracts without making painful sales. And the pressure? It’s suffocating. The board expects you to win everything—yesterday.

Why take this job?

• You want elite gameplay with high stakes.
• You like operating under media and board scrutiny.
• You enjoy creative financial gymnastics.

Bonus tip: Offload high earners early. You’ll thank me later.

4. Austria Wien (Austria)

Austria Wien are historic, respected... and broke. There were real-life reports of them considering selling their stadium just to survive.

Starting here is like running a charity:

• Your budget is microscopic.
• Your squad needs a total rebuild.
• Your facilities are falling behind.

But you’ve got a fanbase that cares. And if you manage to win the league again, you’ll become a legend.

Warning: European qualification is essential if you want to keep the lights on.

READ ALSO: Top 8 Sleeping Giants to Rebuild in FM24

5. FC Schalke 04 (Germany)

The Royal Blues. A Bundesliga institution. Now drowning in debt and stuck in the 2. Bundesliga. This one hurts.

I had a short stint with Schalke last year and let me tell you, it’s one of the most immersive rebuilds you can do. You’re not just managing a football club—you’re repairing a broken identity.

Start here if:

• You want a proper “get them back to glory” story.
• You love German football.
• You don’t mind players with Premier League wages in the second tier.

Hot tip: Keep an eye on the academy—Schalke still produces gems.

6. Inverness Caledonian Thistle (Scotland)

Alright, this one’s brutal. Inverness CT have been hit with a 15-point deduction in real life and are in serious danger. Relegation looms. Administration is knocking.

Taking over here is pure chaos. But if you pull off a miracle, the feeling is unbeatable.

You’ll deal with:

• No budget.
• A relegation scrap from the start.
• A fragile squad low on confidence.

Challenge accepted? This is for the brave ones. A proper “against all odds” save.

READ NEXT: FM24 Sleeping Giants: 5 Epic Clubs to Transform into Football Powerhouses

Final Whistle: Which Club Will You Rescue?

There’s something deeply satisfying about saving a club in crisis. It tests you. Forces you to adapt. Makes every win feel like a miracle.

And if you’re anything like me, you’ll remember these saves long after the glory days with top clubs have faded.

So... who will it be?

Let me know in the comments—or better yet, tag me on social when you complete the rebuild. I’d love to see your progress.

And hey—if you want more save ideas like these, stick around. There’s plenty more to come.