How to lower asking price?

[Thomas]

I want to sign some average players but they are asking like 3-5x the amount they are worth, how can I reduce the asking price?

[Neil Brock]

Negotiate, build a relationship with the other manager (if you're asked press conference questions about them), unsettle the other player, through the media wait for their contract to have less time to run and enquire at the right times. Sometimes a player will be seen as vital (say if other players in that position are unavailable or they're still competing in a major continental competition.

Also make sure they're also shortlisted and on your notifications in case an AI team bit at a price you're willing to pay and it's accepted.