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There is one feature in Football Manager that completely changes how recruitment feels, yet a huge number of players either ignore it or do not realise how useful it is. Shortlists are something every Football Manager player uses, but very few actually manage them properly.
If your shortlist is full of old names, forgotten wonderkids, and players you no longer plan to sign, this guide will show you how to fix that:
What Are Shortlists?
Shortlists are used to track players you are interested in. This can include:
- Transfer targets
- Future prospects
- Players you simply want to keep an eye on
The problem is that most managers put everything into one shortlist, which quickly becomes cluttered and frustrating to use.
How to Manage Shortlists?
By setting up multiple shortlists you are allowed to create more than one shortlist, each with its own purpose. Every shortlist works exactly the same way as the default one, but they let you organise players properly.
Instead of one long list, you can split recruitment into clear categories.
How to Create Multiple Shortlists

Setting them up is quick and easy:
- Go to Recruitment
- Open the Shortlist screen
- Click the plus icon in the top right
- Give the shortlist a name
- Repeat this for as many lists as you need
Each new shortlist appears alongside the default one and can be switched between instantly.

Adding Players to the Right Shortlist
Using Right Click

- Right click on a player
- Select Add to Shortlist
- Choose the shortlist you want
- Pick how long the player stays on it
Adding Players in Bulk

When using recruitment focuses, you can:
- Select multiple player reports
- Use the action menu on the left
- Add them to the correct shortlist in one go
This is perfect for separating players you want to sign now from those you are planning for the future.
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