FIFA 23's Career Mode is a thrill ride for football fans. It's not just about playing matches; it's about steering your team's destiny. Whether you're managing a top-tier powerhouse or reviving a struggling lower-tier club on a shoestring budget, FIFA 23 has something for everyone.

If you have limited funds, finding hidden gems is key. Scouts become your secret weapons, sniffing out young talents that won't drain your bank account. The challenge? Building a squad that not only holds its ground today but becomes a force to be reckoned with as seasons unfold.

Who are the best cheap young players in FIFA 23?

Below you will find the budget-friendly wonderkids – the unsung heroes of your squad. These youngsters won't break the bank, but they pack a punch in potential. As seasons progress, these rising stars evolve into mainstays, proving that smart investments can lead to long-term success. In the following sections, we spill the beans on the top affordable young players in FIFA 23, ready to elevate your virtual soccer journey.

Goalkeepers

Illan Meslier - Leeds United: Value: £17.5m / Wage: £22,000 Age: 22 / OVR: 77 / POT: 87

Meet Illan Meslier, the Premier League's youngest starting goalkeeper. With a towering presence, sharp reflexes, and the coveted "Saves with Feet" trait, Meslier is a favorite among pro players. Affordable and with considerable potential, Meslier is a wise investment for managers looking to secure their goalposts for the long haul.

Giorgi Mamardashvili - Valencia: Value: £16m / Wage: £15,000 Age: 21 / OVR: 78 / POT: 84

Valencia's Georgian goalkeeper, Giorgi Mamardashvili, comes with a higher price tag due to his impressive overall rating. However, this cost is justified by his immediate readiness to join top-tier sides. Mamardashvili provides a dependable goalkeeping option, showcasing a solid skill set with room for further development.

Maarten Vandevoordt - Genk: Value: £3.4m / Wage: £4,000 Age: 20 / OVR: 71 / POT: 83

A fan-favorite for Road to Glory Career Mode, Maarten Vandevoordt remains a go-to choice for virtual managers. Despite a potential nerf, his wallet-friendly fee and high growth potential make him a powerful asset. Vandevoordt is the reliable goalkeeper you need, offering a cost-effective solution without compromising on performance.
 

Defenders

Willian Pacho - Antwerp: Value: £4.7m / Wage: £9,000 Age: 20 / OVR: 72 / POT: 84

Willian Pacho emerges as a defensive gem with a boosted starting potential, pace, and strength. As a left-footed option, his well-rounded stats and accessible price make him an excellent value defensive wonderkid.

Mohamed Simakan - RB Leipzig: Value: £25.5m / Wage: £34,000 Age: 18 / OVR: 78 / POT: 86

Part of the Red Bull ecosystem, Mohamed Simakan brings outstanding defensive stats to the table. While lacking raw physical prowess, his defensive prowess allows him to seamlessly integrate into top-tier teams.

Antonio Silva - Benfica: Value: £12m / Wage: £2,000 Age: 18 / OVR: 75 / POT: 87

From the Portuguese league, Antonio Silva of Benfica is a defensive powerhouse. With significant upgrades in pace, strength, and stamina, he transforms into an undisputed wonderkid, ready to enhance any team on a budget.

Josko Gvardiol - RB Leipzig: Value: £45m / Wage: £35,000 Age: 20 / OVR: 81 / POT: 89

Josko Gvardiol might come with a hefty price tag, but his attributes justify the expense. A consistent standout in Career Mode, Gvardiol brings over 80 pace, strength, and defending from the start, making him a coveted asset for elite clubs.

Destiny Udogie - Udinese (Spurs): Value: £14.6m / Wage: £29,000 Age: 19 / OVR: 76 / POT: 89

Out on loan during the first season, Destiny Udogie boasts incredible potential. A physical presence with strong dribbling and passing, he promises to be a valuable addition to any squad with a little training.

Balde - Barcelona: Value: £12.9m / Wage: £23,000 Age: 18 / OVR: 76 / POT: 87

After a standout performance in Barcelona's Spanish Super Cup, Balde receives notable boosts in speed, dribbling, and passing. Though with a higher wage, his offensive potential makes him a tempting option for various teams.

Malo Gusto - Lyon (Loaned to Chelsea): Value: £10m / Wage: £21,000 Age: 19 / OVR: 75 / POT: 85

Malo Gusto, part of Chelsea's January spending spree, is a versatile young player with speed, stamina, and crossing skills. While currently on loan, he's poised to make a significant impact once available.

Jeremie Frimpong - Bayer Leverkusen: Value: £27m / Wage: £33,000 Age: 21 / OVR: 80 / POT: 86

For top-tier clubs seeking a speed demon, Jeremie Frimpong is the ideal addition. With elite crossing and dribbling, he poses a significant attacking threat, complemented by the pace to contribute defensively.
 

Midfielders

Gabri Veiga - Celta Vigo: Value: £3.1m / Wage: £7,000 Age: 20 / OVR: 69 / POT: 85

Celta Vigo's Gabri Veiga, La Liga's player of the month for February 2023, has seen notable increases in both starting overall and potential. Standing at 6ft, he brings a solid presence to the midfield, posing a forward threat with 76 finishing. Despite interest from clubs like Arsenal, Newcastle, and Liverpool, Veiga remains a budget-friendly acquisition for your FIFA club.

Arthur Vermeeren - Antwerp: Value: £2.5m / Wage: £500 Age: 17 / OVR: 68 / POT: 87

Hailing from Belgium, Arthur Vermeeren is another gem in the midfield arena. Boasting impressive starting potential, solid stamina, and well-rounded stats, he proves to be a valuable asset from the onset, especially for lower-rated teams. Under the management of Mark van Bommel at Antwerp, Vermeeren's skills are a testament to the club's commitment to nurturing talent.

Kobbie Mainoo - Manchester United: Value: £1m / Wage: £800 Age: 17 / OVR: 62 / POT: 86

The latest wonderkid from Manchester United, Kobbie Mainoo, a versatile midfielder capable of playing across the spine of the field as a CDM, CM, or CAM. Unlike many prospects from real-life youth teams, Mainoo offers usable pace and stamina right from the start of FIFA 23. This makes him a strategic choice for lower league Road to Glory saves, solidifying his status as a no-brainer pick for aspiring managers.