For an FM24 centre-back shortlist, start with Ousmane Diomande, Antonio Silva, Giorgio Scalvini, Castello Lukeba and Illia Zabarnyi, then consider Levi Colwill, Zeno Debast, Leny Yoro, Jorrel Hato and Martin Vitík. This is an editorial shortlist, not a universal ranking: the best signing depends on your database update, budget, club demands, tactical role and how each player develops in your save.
Which FM24 update does this shortlist reflect?
This is a historical shortlist for Football Manager 2024, based on player assessments published in 2023 and 2024. Sports Interactive’s 24.3 Main Data Update went live on 29 February 2024, changed squads, current ability ratings and attributes for tens of thousands of players, and required a new save to use the updated data. Check the official update notice and match any player assessment against the database version you selected when starting your save. FM Scout’s guide was updated on 10 April 2024 to reflect version 24.4. Its FM24 wonderkids guide lists 118 centre-backs, so the ten below are a selective shortlist rather than a complete catalogue.
FM Scout defines its listed wonderkids as players with potential ability (PA) of at least 150 who are no older than 20 in its stated in-game date context. PA is not a promise of a fixed career outcome: the guide notes that some players have variable potential, meaning their ceiling can differ between saves. FMBrotherhood’s comparison, meanwhile, simulated ten seasons through 2033. Its results are one useful comparison, not a forecast of how every save will unfold.
The 10 best centre-back wonderkids to consider
The order below is editorial. The first five also lead FMBrotherhood’s ten-season simulation, which ranked Diomande, Silva, Scalvini, Lukeba and Zabarnyi in that order. The remaining names broaden the shortlist with players recurring in independent FM24 centre-back lists.
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| Player | Why consider him | What to weigh in your save |
|---|---|---|
| Ousmane Diomande | FMBrotherhood’s simulation winner; described as physically strong, comfortable on the ball and able to play defensive midfield. | Transfer cost and willingness to leave Sporting; physicality, aerial play and distribution. |
| Antonio Silva | Runner-up in that simulation and included by GameSpot; the source highlights strong defending, passing and vision. | Transfer cost, current readiness and fit for a ball-playing role. |
| Giorgio Scalvini | Third in the simulation and present across multiple curated lists; described as strong mentally and aerially. | Price, pace, defensive anticipation and development path. |
| Castello Lukeba | Fourth in the simulation; a left-sided option whose source profile notes ball progression and strong mental attributes. | Footedness, availability and suitability for a high line or build-up role. |
| Illia Zabarnyi | Fifth in the simulation and recurring in curated lists; the source emphasizes defensive and physical strengths. | Stopping ability versus ball progression, as well as availability. |
| Levi Colwill | Included by FourFourTwo, GameSpot and FMBrotherhood; offers a left-side option. | Cost and whether your squad needs a left-footed centre-back. |
| Zeno Debast | Included by FourFourTwo and FMBrotherhood; the latter highlights passing and potential as a ball-playing defender. | Passing, vision, fee and first-season availability. |
| Leny Yoro | Appears in multiple guides; FMBrotherhood’s simulation highlights his aerial ability and long-term development. | Physical development, fee and readiness for the role you need now. |
| Jorrel Hato | Appears across multiple lists; source descriptions note left-sided versatility and cover at left-back. | Versatility, technical development and price. |
| Martin Vitík | A value-oriented alternative in GameSpot’s list, with strength, jumping reach and heading cited as assets. | Aerial dominance, overall physical profile and competition from larger clubs. |
The player profiles and comparisons synthesize FM Scout, FMBrotherhood, FourFourTwo and GameSpot. They use different dates and methods; this comparison is not an in-game test or a guarantee of development.
How to choose the right one for your squad
Use the profiles as a way to narrow your shortlist, then judge players against your tactical and financial constraints. A high ceiling matters less than a player who can meet your role’s demands, join on terms your club can afford and improve in your particular save.
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- The 3D match engine has seen extensive improvements, including enhanced AI, improved lighting and player animation, individual player character and kit models, more realistic player reaction to on-field incidents and a range of optimisations which combine to make this the best looking and fastest FM Match Engine yet. Major changes have also been made to FM 2014’s user interface. Key areas have been redesigned – including the training overview page, the transfer centre and the news homepage – while widespread changes have been made across the game’s user interface. The language employed throughout the game has also enjoyed a major overhaul and now corresponds more closely to the language of real world football.
- Need a ready, physical defender? Compare Diomande and Zabarnyi’s cited physical and defensive strengths, then check their in-save attributes, price and availability.
- Build from the back? Silva, Diomande and Debast are the names whose source descriptions specifically emphasize passing, vision or comfort on the ball. Check whether the relevant attributes suit your intended role.
- Need a left-sided option? Compare Lukeba and Colwill as centre-back options; Hato also offers left-back cover according to the source descriptions.
- Prioritize long-term development or value? Yoro is noted for long-term development in the simulation; Vitík is the value-oriented alternative in GameSpot’s list. Neither description establishes a guaranteed fee or outcome in your save.
Before making an offer, compare each candidate’s in-game attributes, role suitability, asking price and willingness to move in your save. The source lists do not establish a current universal transfer price, and an older FM24 assessment should not be treated as real-world transfer advice.
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