Why Your Scouting Network Matters

In Football Manager 2022, the clubs that sustain success over multiple seasons are the ones with elite scouting infrastructure. A well-organised scouting network allows you to identify transfer targets early, snap up wonderkids before rivals, and uncover hidden gems in obscure leagues around the world.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know — from hiring scouts to setting up focused scouting assignments.

Step 1: Hire the Right Scouts

Not all scouts are created equal. When reviewing candidates, prioritise these key attributes:

  • Judging Player Ability (JPA): How accurately a scout assesses a player's current ability. High JPA means fewer scouting surprises.
  • Judging Player Potential (JPP): Critical for finding wonderkids. A scout with 15+ JPP is worth their weight in gold.
  • Adaptability: Determines how well they operate in unfamiliar regions and leagues.
  • Knowledge of regions: Scouts with existing knowledge of their assigned region will produce faster, more reliable reports.

Aim for a minimum of 14 JPA and 14 JPP for any scout you hire. Budget clubs may need to compromise, but never drop below 12 in either attribute.

Step 2: Define Your Scouting Regions

Coverage is everything. Divide your scouts across key regions based on your club's recruitment philosophy:

  • Europe (West): Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga, Serie A, Ligue 1 — rich with talent but expensive
  • Europe (East): Excellent for budget gems — Croatia, Serbia, Portugal, and the Nordics
  • South America: Brazil and Argentina are goldmines for young potential, especially in the Under-20 age bracket
  • Africa: Undervalued by AI clubs — great for physical, high-potential players available for minimal fees

Step 3: Set Up Focused Scouting Assignments

Go to your Scouting Centre and create focused assignments for each scout. Here's a recommended framework:

  1. Wonderkid Hunt: Age range 15–20, Potential Ability filter set to "Good Potential" or higher. Assign your best JPP scout.
  2. Position-Specific Recruitment: Filter by position when you know a transfer gap is coming. Assign 1–2 scouts to monitor a specific role 6 months before the window opens.
  3. League Coverage: Assign a scout permanently to each major league you don't already have coverage for.

Step 4: Use the Transfer Centre Wisely

Once scout reports come in, add interesting players to your Transfer Shortlist immediately — even if you won't sign them for seasons. This lets you track their development over time and act decisively when the moment is right.

Step 5: Review and Expand Over Time

As your club grows, so should your scouting network. Use increased budgets to:

  • Hire a dedicated Head of Youth Development with high JPA/JPP to identify academy prospects
  • Add regional scouts in Asia and North America — often overlooked but increasingly productive
  • Upgrade existing scouts through continued employment and regional knowledge accumulation

Quick Reference: Scouting Attribute Benchmarks

Scout Role Min JPA Min JPP Key Region
Wonderkid Scout 13 16 South America / Africa
Transfer Scout 15 13 Western Europe
Budget Gem Scout 14 15 Eastern Europe

Build your scouting network with patience and intention, and you'll have a competitive edge in every transfer window for years to come.