L'Equipe picks out five Football Manager 27 'hidden gems' who are already turning heads in real life
L'Equipe have identified five 'hidden gems' from Football Manager 27 that are already living up to their potential in real life, including the highly-rated Andria Bartishvili, who will join Arsenal next summer.
After the latest instalment of FM dropped on November 10, many players are searching for 'the next big thing' as they look to strengthen their squads.
A few weeks ago, we told you about 10 affordable wonderkids to sign in your first save, a list that included Kazak striker Daulet Orynbasar, who has the highest potential of any forward in the game.
We also suggested Adri Mehmeti, the 17-year-old midfielder who has already made history at MLS side New York Red Bulls.
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Mehmeti has also been identified by L'Equipe as a 'hidden gem', with the French publication praising his ability to read the game and make crucial interceptions, as well as his constant awareness.
So, who else features on the list?
Mikel Urrestarazu - Athletic Bilbao (LB)
L’Équipe describe the 17-year-old left-back as "technically gifted", "powerful" and a "force of nature", while also praising his impressive performances for Spain at the Under-17 European Championship.
Urrestarazu, who has featured in the Spanish fourth division with CD Basconia (Bilbao's third team) this season, is a modern-day full-back who can provide attacking width and support attacks with overlapping runs; all while maintaining composure in duels.
"Although he regularly plays on poor pitches, Urrestarazu impresses with his ability to identify and exploit space, the quality of his first touch and his adaptability under pressure," the piece from L'Equipe adds.
You can sign the teenager for just £9 million on Football Manager 27.
Adri Mehmeti - New York Red Bulls (CM)
The most well-known name on this list. Mehmeti is a 17-year-old midfielder who has already made history at MLS side New York Red Bulls, becoming the youngest captain in the club's reserve-team history.
He made his MLS debut in February 2026 at just 16 years old and has already picked up three caps for the United States national team under Mauricio Pochettino.
A technically gifted midfielder who displays remarkable maturity in possession for someone so young. "Between the lines, his sense of rhythm and his ability to play with few touches are valuable assets," L'Equipe say.
Mehmeti, who has been touted as the next Sergio Busquets, is valued at around the £8 million mark on Football Manager 27.
Marko Soldic - Nuremberg (CM)
Soldic has already made history at the age of 16. The technically gifted midfielder became Nürnberg's youngest-ever player in February 2026, after being handed his debut by World Cup winner Miroslav Klose.
The Germany youth international plays as a central midfielder but can also operate in a more advanced role.
According to L’Équipe, Soldic has impressed with his composure and willingness to make runs across the pitch, not to mention his extensive "repertoire of feints" that allows him to deceive opponents.
The youngster is valued between £500,000 and £6 million on Football Manager 27. According to EFEM, he has a "very high" chance of reaching his full potential of 80/100.
Andria Bartishvili - Iberia 1999 (LW)
L'Equipe claim Bartishvili is "without a doubt" the biggest talent on the five-man list. The 17-year-old will join reigning Premier League champions Arsenal in July 2027 after agreeing to join after he turns 18.
So, what does he bring to the table? "Ambidextrous, quick, and creative, he can create a great deal with very little and primarily operates between the center and left flank, often starting his attacks with a burst of speed," says L'Equipe.
The teenager has been compared to fellow winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, having represented Georgia at under-17, under-19 and under-21 levels.
Bartishvili has a starting database value of just £375,000, making him one of the cheapest wonderkids in the game.
Kevin Filling – AIK (ST)
Filling is already turning heads in Swedish football after scoring on his senior league debut for AIK at just 16 years old.
The striker possesses explosive pace, physical strength and an ability to make runs in behind, with L'Equipe even comparing him to the Monaco version of Kylian Mbappe.
"His physical dominance at 17 years old and his appetite for making runs in behind make him a player who is likely to quickly take off; a profile like his is quite sought after and aligns with many of the demands of football in 2026," the publication added.
Filling has an in-game transfer value on Football Manager 27 of just £2.2 million. Another bargain buy.
Topics: Football Manager, Gaming, Arsenal
Jack Kenmare
