EA Confirms Season 2 Rewards: Donyell Malen and Jack Grealish Will Be Permanent Players, Not Loans

The start of EA FC 25’s Season 2 was met with excitement and a fair share of backlash, as players initially believed that two key rewards—Donyell Malen and Jack Grealish—would be limited to loan items. This perception sparked disappointment among players who had grown accustomed to the valuable, permanent player rewards of Season 1, notably the highly popular Adama Traoré 88-rated card. However, EA Sports FC’s Direct Communication account has since clarified that the Season 2 rewards are not limited to loans. Here’s a breakdown of EA’s response and what this means for Ultimate Team players.

EA’s Response to Season 2 Reward Backlash

Shortly after revealing Season 2 rewards, EA Sports FC received a significant volume of negative feedback. Many players expressed frustration that Season 2 rewards, unlike Season 1, seemed to primarily offer loan items rather than permanent players. The sentiment was largely fueled by Season 1’s Adama Traoré card, a permanent reward that has become a Weekend League staple due to his strength, speed, and versatility. The assumption that Season 2 rewards would only consist of loan players left many feeling underwhelmed.

In response, the EA SPORTS FC Direct Communication account quickly addressed the issue with a series of tweets to clarify the situation:

“We are investigating the level 25 and 34 Season 2 Player Item rewards which are incorrectly listed as Loan Items. We’ll provide an update in this thread when available.”

This first tweet confirmed that EA was aware of the community’s concerns and was actively looking into the issue.

Update on Season 2 Rewards: Malen and Grealish Are Permanent

In a follow-up tweet, EA provided the much-awaited clarification that the issue was visual only:

“This issue is visual only, the Player Items sent to your Club will not be Loan Items when unlocked.”

Update:

This issue is visual only, the Player Items sent to your Club will not be Loan Items when unlocked.

— EA SPORTS FC Direct Communication (@EASFCDirect) October 31, 2024

This confirmation means that once players unlock Emiliano Martínez at Level 25 and Jack Grealish or Donyell Malen at Level 34, these items will not have the restrictions of loan items. Instead, they will function as permanent additions to a player’s club, usable indefinitely without any match restrictions. This update is excellent news for players who had been disheartened by the prospect of temporary rewards and who now can integrate these players fully into their Ultimate Team rosters.

The Value of Malen and Grealish in EA FC 25 Ultimate Team

Now that both Donyell Malen and Jack Grealish are confirmed as permanent rewards, players can look forward to using one of these cards as long-term assets. Here’s a closer look at their attributes and potential impact on the meta:

• Donyell Malen (Level 34 Reward): Known for his blistering pace and agility, Malen is a standout choice for attacking roles. His skill set allows him to be effective in one-on-one situations, making him ideal for players who prioritize speed and precision in counter-attacks. As a permanent card, he offers an alternative to other fast-paced attackers, providing variety in Ultimate Team squads.
• Jack Grealish (Level 34 Reward): Grealish brings creativity and technical skill to the midfield. His playmaking abilities, combined with impressive dribbling and ball control, make him a valuable asset for building up plays and maintaining possession. Grealish’s inclusion as a permanent player adds depth to the midfield options, making him a versatile choice for those who appreciate a more controlled approach to gameplay.

Comparison with Season 1’s Adama Traoré

The availability of Malen and Grealish as permanent rewards gives players a reward structure closer to that of Season 1, where Adama Traoré’s 88-rated card became an immediate favorite due to his powerful presence on the pitch. Traoré’s popularity in Weekend League showcases the value of permanent reward cards in Ultimate Team, and Malen and Grealish now offer similar opportunities for Season 2. Both players may not have the raw physicality of Traoré, but their unique skill sets add tactical flexibility, catering to different styles of play.

Why Permanent Rewards Matter in Ultimate Team

The appeal of permanent player rewards in EA FC 25 extends beyond just gameplay variety. Here are some key reasons why players have advocated for these lasting rewards:

1. Consistency in Squad Building: Permanent players allow for stable squad building, enabling players to design long-term strategies and develop synergy within their teams.
2. Increased Value in Objectives and Competitions: Unlike loan players, permanent players can participate in all Ultimate Team events, including Weekend League and Division Rivals, without restrictions.
3. Enhanced Trading and Investment Opportunities: When players have permanent cards, they are more inclined to invest in complementary players and items, thus fostering a more dynamic in-game economy.

EA’s Commitment to Player Feedback

EA’s swift response to community concerns highlights its commitment to player satisfaction. By addressing the misconception around loan items promptly, EA has preserved the integrity of Season 2’s reward structure. This decision reflects EA’s recognition of how important permanent rewards are to players and their in-game experience.

For ongoing updates on EA FC 25 and Ultimate Team content, keep an eye on the official EA SPORTS FC Direct Communication account on Twitter.

Frequently Asked Questions about EA FC 25 Season 2 Rewards