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Football Manager isn’t just a game; it’s a world with its own logic, quirks, and, of course, inevitable transfers. Between recreating Premier League tactics and trying to bargain hunt the best strikers to nab for your next season, we all have our own pitfalls we stumble into, but it turns out the games’ AI do as well.
Every save seems to have its recurring stories — players destined to join the same clubs no matter how many variables change. Here are some of the most iconic “it’s happened again” transfers, as shared by FM fans.
With this in mind, here’s a list of all the inevitable transfers Football Manager AI foes can’t help but lap up. Will this change when FM 25 finally releases? Probably not, no.
Victor Osimhen to Manchester City
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It doesn’t matter if Haaland’s banging in 50 a season; Osimhen always finds his way to the Etihad. His lethal finishing and pace make him Pep’s dream striker. In some saves, you’ll see him benching Haaland, leading to questions about Pep’s decision-making — and your own tactics.
Joshua Kimmich to Al-Ahli
In what feels like a Football Manager fever dream, Kimmich trades Bayern for the Saudi Pro League. One minute he’s bossing the midfield in the Bundesliga, the next he’s playing in front of a half-full stadium in Riyadh. Somehow, the £500k per week deal always makes sense… to the AI.
Viktor Gyökeres to Chelsea
Chelsea fans are no strangers to a chaotic transfer window, and FM replicates it perfectly. Gyökeres to Chelsea? Of course. Whether he’s a tactical fit is irrelevant — it’s just what Todd Boehly would do. Expect him to follow in the footsteps of many Blues strikers: loaned to half of Europe by season two.
Rodrygo to Manchester City
Rodrygo’s dazzling displays for Real Madrid inevitably catch City’s attention. Before long, he’s on his way to Manchester for a cool £100 million. Pep loves a tricky winger, and Rodrygo ticks all the boxes — pace, flair, and the ability to be retrained into a midfielder for absolutely no reason.
Karim Konaté to Newcastle United
The FM AI seems to know Eddie Howe is obsessed with developing young talents, so Karim Konaté becomes a Geordie in almost every save. By year three, he’s terrorizing defenses and making Newcastle fans dream of a Premier League title.
Piotr Zieliński to Manchester City
Zieliński at City might seem like an odd one IRL, but in FM, it’s a certainty. He slots into Pep’s midfield like a glove, pulling the strings and popping up with screamers in crucial games. The question is: will he get Pep’s infamous full-back conversion treatment?
Victor Osimhen to Real Madrid
When he’s not joining City, Osimhen is donning the famous white shirt of Real Madrid. Benzema 2.0, anyone? Los Blancos can’t resist a Galáctico, and Osimhen’s 40-goal seasons in Serie A make him irresistible.
Jamal Musiala to Liverpool
Musiala is one of FM’s best wonderkids, and Liverpool’s AI always takes notice. Whether it’s Klopp or someone else in charge (see below), Musiala becomes the creative spark in midfield that gets the Kop roaring.
Thiago Almada to… Whatever Team I’m Managing
The beauty of FM is that some transfers are personal. Almada is that guy — a versatile maestro you simply must sign. Whether you’re in the Championship or Champions League, he’s always on your radar. His first assist feels like a promise fulfilled.
Special Mention: Guardiola and Klopp Swapping Jobs
This one’s less about the players and more about managerial chaos. By 2026, Pep is at Liverpool and Klopp at City in what seems like a bizarre, mutual decision. Cue Twitter meltdown and your disbelief as you face Klopp’s Gegenpress at the Etihad.
These moves aren’t just transfers; they’re FM folklore. No matter how much you tweak tactics or adjust scouting, they’re part of the game’s charm. And admit it, some of these transfers have probably saved your save… or ruined it.
Which ones are “it’s happened again” moments in your FM journey? Drop your own stories below!
About the Author
Football Manager 2024
- Platform(s): PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series S/X, Xbox Series X
- Genre(s): Management, Soccer, Sports
