Football Manager's 2020 Wonderkids - Where Will They Be Next Season?
By David Ford
There are few better feelings in the world than that 17-year-old Dutch forward you plucked from the Eerste Divisie for £250k bagging the Ballon d'Or - after leading your Burton Albion team to their fifth successive Champions League - on Football Manager.
Yes, you could be playing out those dreams in real life, but it's getting the job done on FM is a pretty close second. Each year, the team at Sports Interactive have the difficult job each year of predicting the future of every young player on the planet - as save files go on and on until the year we see Erling Haaland not only end his playing career, but retire from management too.
While they haven't always been right - how many England caps did Cherno Samba actually win - they do have a good knack for spotting real life talent and predicting unparalleled level of success. So how will some of the FM 2020 crop fare?
Here's the ones doing the business already that could get that big move this summer...
Kai Havertz
Kai Havertz is a name on everyone's lips right now, as the talented German midfielder has been busy showcasing his immense talent in the only currently active top five league.
A staple wonderkid for the last few versions, he's been tearing up the Bundesliga for four seasons now, leaving many to wonder how long Leverkusen can actually hold on to him. Bayern Munich and Liverpool are possible destinations, though if he does move it will be for big, big bucks.
Jean-Clair Todibo
A defender with a bright future ahead of him, Todibo has only made four appearences for Barcelona in La Liga in the 12 months since he signed.
He's already made more appearances for Schalke 04 since his loan move in January, and the sleeping Bundesliga giants do have a buy out clause in the deal. They are expected to activate that, with the player who first became a wonderkid on FM 2018 likely to move for 300 times more than what he was available for in that edition.
Max Aarons
Norwich probably won't be in the Premier League next season, but Max Aarons will be. A very gifted right back, he's likely to court a lot of interest if the Canaries relegation is confirmed.
He'll have to work hard if he ever wants to make more than three caps for an England side with enough right backs to field an entire squad, but links to Spurs and even Dortmund would surely see his stock rise significantly.
Jadon Sancho
The big story of the summer will likely be where Jadon Sancho ends up come the start of next season, with every elite club in Europe showing some form of interest. An FM wonderkid since he and Phil Foden made waves at Man City's academy, he's pushed on leaps and bounds in recent seasons. Sports Interactive got this one spot on.
The main interest seems to be coming from Man Utd and Chelsea, but there are factors involving departures from each club, so expect this saga to rumble on longer than the press conference you forgot to send your assistant to.
Sandro Tonali
Dubbed the successor to Andrea Pirlo, a vast number of FM games have already seen Tonali eclipse his countryman in terms of quality.
Has been heavily linked with a move to Juventus all season, but Inter and AC Milan could emerge as potential destinations. Funnily enough, all clubs Pirlo played for.
Myron Boadu
AZ Alkmaar were having a phenomenal season, sitting second in the league on goal difference behind Ajax, when the Eredivisie was cancelled. That was in no small part due to Myron Boadu's impressive performances.
His 14 goals in 23 games put AZ up there, and gained him the attention of clubs like Newcastle and even Barcelona. His versatility on FM20 has also gained him a number of fans on the game, AM L/R, ST C? Yes please!
Eduardo Camavinga
Camavinga made his debut for Rennes as a 16 year old in 2018, and he hasn't looked back. He made 36 appearences in all competitions for Rennes before Ligue 1 was cancelled, and impressed enough for Man Utd and Real Madrid to take notice.
He may not have long to be an FM wonderkid, because a move to Real Madrid can price a player out of that bracket - but the way Camavinga has been playing, he deserves to remain one.
Jonathan David
Together with Alphonso Davies, Canada have two of the brightest young prospects in world football. While Davies is currently taking the plaudits, as soon as David gets a move to a big club, he'll catch up in no time.
37 goals in 83 games for Gent has placed David firmly on the radar of Arsenal, and if they lose Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, don't be surprised to see this wonderkid at the Emirates.
Danny Loader
Reading look set to lose Danny Loader on a free transfer this summer, which could be a huge gain for one lucky club - if his FM20 reputation is anything to go by. The forward's solitary goal for the Royals in 28 Championship outings still leaves a lot to be desired, however.
There are links with Wolves, which demonstrate the potential he has, but whether he can achieve it is another story. Whoever signs him will hope FM's prediction will be more Sergio Aguero in FM06 than Ibrahima Bakayoko on Championship Manager 98.
Jude Bellingham
If reports are to be believed, Bellingham has already signed a pre contract with Borussia Dortmund, making him another supremely talented English player wanting to develop in the Bundesliga. There's also interest from Manchester United.
As for now, this FM wonderkid has enjoyed a break out season at Birmingham and looks like he could be a fantastic midfielder for years to come. In the gaming world, he's class - and there's no reason to think he won't become just that in real life.
Thiago Almada
If you've wanted a go-to CAM on FM 20, chances are your scouts have come back to you and told you to sign Thiago Almada.
See, the funny thing is, Manchester United's scouts have done exactly the same in real life - because Velez Sarsfield's latest teen prodigy is really bloody good. A deal in the region of £15m is being mooted, which - if FM's look into the future is to be believed - is a bloody steal.
Get it done Ole Gunnar.