In a season that has defied expectations, Aston Villa find themselves in the thick of a Premier League title race. The upcoming January transfer window is now being viewed as a potential turning point, a chance for manager Unai Emery to strengthen his squad for a historic push. Using Football Manager 26, we've simulated the window to see what business the Midlands club might conduct.
Football Manager 26's Villa Transfer Predictions
The simulation suggests a mixed bag of activity for Villa, focusing on both experience and future potential rather than blockbuster, immediate-impact signings. The club's real-world spending has been relatively modest so far, with just two arrivals totalling under £20 million.
According to the FM26 forecast, Villa could make three permanent signings. The first is Oscar, a 27-year-old defensive midfielder from Slavia Prague, for a fee of £8 million. He is seen as a rotational option for the likes of Boubacar Kamara and Amadou Onana, though he does little to address the squad's ageing profile.
The second predicted arrival is more experienced: Thomas Lemar. The World Cup-winning Frenchman, currently on loan at Girona from Atletico Madrid, is tipped for an £11.5 million move. His versatility to play across the midfield and attack could provide valuable depth, especially with his proven pedigree, despite recent injury concerns.
Investing in the Future with a Tottenham Prospect
The final incoming piece of business in the simulation points towards long-term planning. Aston Villa are predicted to sign Callum Olusesi from Tottenham Hotspur for £3.3 million. The young midfielder, with just one minute of senior Spurs action and appearances for England's youth teams, is viewed as one for the future as Villa's current core continues to age.
However, the simulation also forecasts a significant and damaging departure. Key forward Donyell Malen, the club's second-top scorer this season, is predicted to leave for Girona for just £10.25 million. This would represent a major financial loss and a severe blow to Emery's attacking options for the run-in, especially with potential deep runs in the FA Cup and Europa League.
A Pivotal Moment for Emery's Project
This simulated window underscores the delicate balance Villa must strike. With a squad containing several key players in their 30s, including Emi Martinez, John McGinn, and Ollie Watkins, this season may represent their best chance for a Premier League title in a generation.
The predictions from Football Manager 26 suggest a window of pragmatic, if unspectacular, deals focused on squad depth and future planning, offset by a potentially costly sale. In reality, the club's decisions in the coming weeks could indeed prove pivotal in determining whether Unai Emery can secure a second career league title and bring the championship back to Villa Park for the first time since 1981.
