For football fans, taking on the role of a manager is an enticing proposition. That’s exactly what’s on offer in Football Manager 2024, one of the most iconic series of football games ever made. From coaching a Premier League behemoth to taking a minnow into the EFL, the array of jobs an FM24 player can take on is vast. The biggest roles also tend to involve snapping up some of the brightest young players in the sport.
For newcomers to the game, while it’s eventually worth taking a smaller club up through the divisions, a good place to start is with a big club to help you get a feel for the game and its various intricacies. You could take charge of Real Madrid in La Liga and aim to lift the Champions League at the first time of asking, there are ambitious teams like Aston Villa to consider, a club who are currently 4/1 to finish in the top 6 when looking at this season’s Premier League odds, while clubs like Juventus in Italy’s top flight also have plenty of potential to challenge for major honours. In order to complete their various objectives, though, you’ll undoubtedly need some top talent to rely on at times.
Of course, some of these huge clubs possess enough game-changers within their ranks to challenge on all fronts anyway, but an additional sprinkling of quality will certainly help you make even more of a mark at the club. Signing some younger players who have the world at their feet is, therefore, worth considering, especially given their high ceilings. After all, if you’re managing a top club, you’ll have an array of exciting youngsters to pick from who will be keen to develop further at a European powerhouse.
So, with that in mind, below is a look at a selection of top young talents to sign in Football Manager 2024.
Evan Ferguson – Brighton
If your blunt strike force is a major worry, then Brighton’s Evan Ferguson is a forward capable of bagging plenty of strikes, should you persist with him. The Irishman might not come cheap, though, but his potential is clear to see. Many managers sign him for around £65 million, but it really depends on which side you’re managing. For example, if it’s a Premier League rival of Brighton’s, then the Seagulls might be a bit more reluctant to let him go. Regardless, Ferguson’s natural ability in front of goal and his all-round potential makes him a player worth pursuing.
Xavi Simons – RB Leipzig
Although you might have to break the bank to get Xavi Simons in through the door, the RB Leipzig attacking midfield player has immense potential. The Dutchman might cost you around £60 million, but it’s an investment worth making if you’re after the biggest of prizes. Simons is capable of running any game, with his natural ability on the ball making him a player you can rely on in the biggest of encounters.
Nico Williams – Athletic Bilbao
A tricky wide player a number of clubs are chasing in the real world, Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams is a great player to target. If you’re in need of some pace out wide and a talent who can change games on his own, then Williams is worth targeting. He should cost between £35 million and £51 million and he’s the type of player who could lead your team to glory all on his own.
Antonio Silva – Benfica
If your leaky defence is a cause for concern, then acquiring the services of Antonio Silva should be considered. The Benfica defender is at a good age in the game. He has everything in his locker to make him a truly world-class defender in the future, and he’d jump at the chance to play for a club in one of Europe’s major competitions.
Ansu Fati – Brighton
Although Ansu Fati is on loan at Brighton from Barcelona in the game, he’s a player worth tracking when he does eventually return to the Spanish giants. Fati generally struggles to break in at the La Liga challengers, making him a viable option for many Premier League managers, for example. Aged 22 in real life, the Spanish attacker has huge potential, and he could realise it under your tutelage.
Javi Guerra – Valencia
If you’re in need of your very own Rodri, who can run the central midfield area of the pitch and also provide some much-needed protection in front of the defence, then Valencia’s Javi Guerra is a player worth mulling over. The Spanish side clearly values one of their brightest young sparks, but he’s definitely obtainable, although it might be for around £55 million, depending on which team you’re managing. Javi Guerra can also play in a more advanced midfield role, making him a central midfield player many managers are keen to snap up.
Julio Enciso – Brighton
Another mightily impressive young player Brighton have on their books when you start the game, Julio Enciso has huge potential. For many FM24 managers, he’s a priority signing as soon as they start a new save. The Paraguayan has plenty of room for growth. He’s dangerous in pretty much any attacking area you put him in, and he could easily become one of your best players the more minutes he gets under his belt. While Brighton might require a fee of around £60 million to let him leave the club, it’s worth considering, given Enciso’s high ceiling.
Yeremy Pino – Villarreal
While Villarreal can be reluctant to let Yeremy Pino depart the club in some games, he’s still a player well worth targeting if you’re in need of a tricky winger. The bright Spaniard can play pretty much anywhere in midfield or up top, making him an appealing proposition for managers needing a versatile player who can change games on his own.
