7.1Scout Reports
Scouting surfaces players you do not know yet, or do not know well enough, and produces a Scout Report. The report gives you an assessment and your scout's read — not a promise. Treat it as a way to narrow the field: find the players worth watching, then decide whether they are worth a probe, a Watchlist slot or a contract down the line.
You can scout by hand, and once you qualify you can turn on automatic draws. Automatic scouting only brings you reports — it will never decide which prospects go on your Watchlist. That call stays yours, because slots and upkeep are a serious long-term cost.
7.2Reading a scout's notes
Scout notes are written from an observer's point of view: what the player might have going for him, what worries your scout, and where he could develop. Read them next to his abilities, Peak, age, position and what your club actually needs.
A glowing note means he is worth following, not that he will become a star. A cautious one does not mean he is worthless. With young players especially, the uncertainty is part of what you are paying for.
7.3Probes
A probe puts your attention on one specific player: someone already on your roster, someone on your Watchlist, a name from a Scout Report, or anyone else you have noticed. The more you probe him, the more you can trust what you see, and the less the fog can mislead you.
Probe slots and probe budget are both limited, so spend them where the answer could change what you do. If you would never sign a player anyway, there is little point digging; if you are weighing a long contract, a succession or a major addition, get your information straight first.
7.4The Watchlist
The Watchlist is how you follow promising young players over time. Once a prospect is on it you can track, develop and plan for him properly. It is not a free collection: slots and upkeep cost you resources, and you need to clear out the names that no longer fit your direction.
When a prospect graduates you face a real choice — keep him, sign him, or let him go. Prospects with core status carry a different kind of value; for everyone else, judge on ability, Peak, what you need at that position, and what next season's payroll looks like.
The Watchlist is at its best as a steady supply line for future rosters, not as a chase after one highly rated name.