With the release of EA FC 25 Coins, Squad Building Challenges (SBCs) continue to be one of the most exciting and rewarding aspects of the game. SBCs allow players to trade specific teams of cards for special packs, players, or other rewards. Completing these challenges can be a great way to improve your squad or build up resources in Ultimate Team, but SBCs often require a high team rating, which can quickly drain your club's coins. For SBCs that require an 86-rated squad or higher, finding affordable 86-rated players can make a huge difference in keeping costs low. Here's an in-depth look at the cheapest 86-rated players currently available in EA FC 25 and some tips for how to get the best value out of them in your SBCs.
Understanding SBCs and Team Ratings

Before diving into the list of cheap 86-rated players, it's helpful to understand the importance of team ratings and how SBC requirements work. Team rating refers to the average rating of players in your squad, which must meet a minimum threshold to complete specific SBCs. For example, some SBCs require an 86-rated team, meaning the average overall rating of players in the squad must be 86 or higher. Other requirements might include chemistry links, specific leagues, or nationalities, but rating is typically one of the most crucial elements.
The Importance of 86-Rated Players in SBCs

In EA FC 25, player ratings and prices fluctuate based on demand and new player releases, meaning it's essential to keep track of the cheapest options available. While higher-rated players (87+ overall) can boost your rating more quickly, they are often significantly more expensive. As a result, including affordable 86-rated players is one of the best ways to meet the rating requirement without overspending.

The following guide provides the best cheap 86-rated players currently available in EA FC 25. These players generally offer a good balance of affordability and high rating, helping you complete SBCs more efficiently.
Top Cheapest 86-Rated Players for SBCs in EA FC 25

Let’s take a look at some of the best 86-rated players you can use to save coins. Prices vary across platforms (PlayStation, Xbox, and PC), but these players are consistently among the cheapest options.
1. Thomas Müller (Bayern Munich, Germany)

Position: CAM
Approximate Price: 8,000-10,000 coins
League: Bundesliga
Nation: Germany

Thomas Müller remains a popular choice for SBCs due to his relatively low cost and versatility. While his pace and dribbling might not make him ideal for in-game use, his 86 rating and affordable price make him perfect for rating-focused SBCs. His nationality and league (Bundesliga) are also helpful for meeting additional requirements in league-specific challenges.
2. Gerard Moreno (Villarreal CF, Spain)

Position: ST
Approximate Price: 7,500-9,000 coins
League: La Liga
Nation: Spain

Gerard Moreno is another affordable 86-rated player and offers good chemistry links due to his nationality and league. His card doesn’t have the pace and agility needed to compete in most competitive modes, but his price-to-rating ratio makes him a fantastic value option for SBCs.
3. Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan, Argentina)

Position: ST
Approximate Price: 8,500-10,500 coins
League: Serie A
Nation: Argentina

Lautaro Martínez provides decent chemistry options as an Argentinian player in Serie A, which can be useful for both hybrid SBCs and league-restricted challenges. His card is widely available, and his market value generally stays affordable, making him a great option to help push your rating without spending too much.

4. Parejo (Villarreal CF, Spain)

Position: CM
Approximate Price: 7,500-9,000 coins
League: La Liga
Nation: Spain

Parejo is another fantastic value for SBCs with his combination of an 86 rating and low cost. Although he isn’t particularly useful for in-game action due to his low pace, his high passing and dribbling stats make him a solid addition to SBCs that require Spanish players or those from La Liga.
5. Matthijs de Ligt (Bayern Munich, Netherlands)

Position: CB
Approximate Price: 8,500-10,000 coins
League: Bundesliga
Nation: Netherlands

For SBCs that require defenders, Matthijs de Ligt is an ideal choice. His price is generally reasonable for an 86-rated center-back, and his nationality and Bundesliga affiliation make him versatile for buy EA FC 25 Coins linking with other players. Using de Ligt in your backline can make completing SBCs with defensive requirements easier and more affordable.