Aston Villa's remarkable resurgence under Unai Emery could be supercharged by a blockbuster January transfer window, according to a fascinating new simulation. Football Manager 2026 has predicted the Midlands club will embark on an £80 million spending spree to bolster their unexpected Premier League title challenge.
Villa's Stunning Revival Sets Stage for Reinforcements
After a surprisingly difficult start to the 2025/26 season, where striker Ollie Watkins struggled and the defence looked vulnerable, Unai Emery has masterminded a stunning turnaround. Despite a heavy defeat to Arsenal in their final match of 2025, Villa find themselves in a lofty third position in the Premier League, just six points adrift of the league-leading Gunners. This dramatic improvement has shifted ambitions, with the club now reportedly looking at the January market to sustain a push for a top-four finish and perhaps even mount a serious title challenge.
The Five Incomings: From Bayern Munich to Frankfurt
The Football Manager simulation forecasts a quintet of arrivals at Villa Park. The business is kicked off with the £20 million signing of versatile full-back Sacha Boey from Bayern Munich, a player also linked with Crystal Palace in real-world reports. Villa then reportedly turn to Spain, securing former Real Madrid forward Sergio Arribas from Almeria for £15 million; he has notched ten goals and five assists this season in Spain's second tier.
The recruitment drive continues with a move for young talent, snapping up Monaco wonderkid Ilies Belmokhtar for £7 million. Another La Liga player, defensive midfielder Federico Rodondo from Elche, follows for a modest £3 million fee. The window's climax, however, is a spectacular Deadline Day deal. The simulation predicts Villa will shatter their fiscal restraint to secure Eintracht Frankfurt's dynamic Japanese right-winger Ritsu Doan for a whopping £35 million, adding proven quality at the peak of his career.
Outgoings to Balance the Books
Such significant expenditure necessitates sales, and the game engine suggests several high-profile exits. In a surprising mid-season move, first-choice right-back Matty Cash is predicted to join Atalanta for £30 million, representing a healthy profit on his 2020 purchase. Midfielder Enzo Barrenechea is forecast to make a £15 million permanent switch to Benfica, a deal rumoured in reality.
To further balance the books, influential winger Leon Bailey is simulated to depart for French side Brest for £10 million. Finally, young defender Andres Garcia is tipped to return to Spain with Valencia for £6 million, just a year after arriving at the club.
While these specific predictions from a video game are highly speculative, they underscore the growing expectation that Aston Villa will be active in January. Their position in the table and the ambition of the project under Unai Emery and the ownership suggests that reinforcing the squad is a logical next step in their extraordinary journey.
