Football Manager 2026 Predicts Aston Villa's Major Summer Transfer Window Moves
As Aston Villa continue their push for Champions League qualification under manager Unai Emery, attention is already turning to potential summer transfer activity. The popular football simulation game Football Manager 2026 has released intriguing predictions about how the Midlands club might reshape their squad ahead of the 2026/27 Premier League season.
Villa's Current Position and Ambitions
Unai Emery's side are currently positioned within the Premier League's top four, putting them on course to achieve their primary objective of returning to Europe's elite competition. The Spanish manager, who replaced Steven Gerrard in 2022, has transformed Villa's fortunes significantly since his appointment at Villa Park.
Predicted Incoming Transfers
According to the Football Manager 2026 simulation, Aston Villa are forecast to make several strategic signings during the summer window:
- Luis Henrique from Inter Milan for £8.25 million. The 24-year-old Brazilian winger moved to Serie A from Marseille last year and has made 28 appearances across all competitions.
- Shea Charles from Southampton for £15.75 million. The 22-year-old midfielder, who spent time on loan at Sheffield Wednesday last season, is considered a player with significant potential for long-term development.
- Mateo Cassierra from Zenit Saint Petersburg for £7 million. The striker would provide additional competition and depth in attack, potentially challenging Ollie Watkins and Tammy Abraham for starting positions.
Major Outgoing Transfers Predicted
The simulation also forecasts several significant departures from Villa Park that could reshape the squad:
- Youri Tielemans to Liverpool for £49 million. This substantial sale would represent a significant financial gain but could leave Villa short of midfield options, particularly as the Belgian is currently sidelined through injury.
- Ollie Watkins to Juventus for £37 million. The departure of the key striker, who joined from Brentford, would necessitate finding an adequate replacement in attack.
- Pau Torres to Middlesbrough for £32 million. This transfer assumes Middlesbrough achieve promotion from the Championship in the simulation.
Additional Squad Movements
Further predicted transfers include Lewis Dobbin moving to Sheffield United for £2.9 million following his loan spell at Preston North End, while Enzo Barrenechea is forecast to join Benfica for £10.25 million. Academy graduate Travis Patterson, a 20-year-old left-back who spent last season on loan at MK Dons, is predicted to join Swansea City on a free transfer after making three first-team appearances for Villa.
These Football Manager 2026 predictions provide an intriguing glimpse into how Aston Villa's squad might evolve as they seek to establish themselves as regular Champions League contenders under Unai Emery's leadership.