Ready or not, Football Manager 2024 is coming. We’ve already discussed some improvements we hope to see in the new instalment, so let’s focus on the world of wonderkids this time.
Unearthing some of the world’s finest prodigies in Football Manager can be highly satisfying, especially if they develop into world-class superstars.
However, scouring the database in search of football’s next best thing can be tiresome, so we’ve rounded up some of the best wonderkids in the game.
For obvious reasons, we haven’t included the likes of Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, Pedri or Jamal Musiala, with those players already establishing themselves in some of the biggest clubs in the world.
But here are some relatively unknown gems we think you should keep an eye on when the highly anticipated FM 24 rolls into town.
Alejandro Garnacho
The Argentinian youngster burst onto the scenes for Manchester United last season, notching five goal contributions in 561 minutes of Premier League football.
He is yet to establish himself in the first team but has given Erik ten Hag a lot to think about in his squad planning ahead of the new season.
If you’re not managing Man United from the get-go in FM24, it would be extremely difficult to snatch the 18-year-old forward from the grasp of the Red Devils.
Angelo
Angelo is one of the biggest phenoms in Football Manager that has somehow flown under the radar despite his meteoric rise in the Brazilian league.
The youngster could be Santos’ most prominent talent since Neymar, having made over 100 appearances for the Brazilian club at just 18.
The Brazilian prodigy is a silky dribbler with good acceleration and dribbling in FM23 and should prove a shrewd acquisition for the future in FM24.
Ivan Fresneda
Ivan Fresneda was one of the breakout stars in Europe last season. The 18-year-old made his mark at Real Valladolid, and his impressive performances have caught the attention of some of Europe’s elite clubs.
Fresneda’s undoubted talent was recognised in the last FM23 update, and the promising teenager is one of several prospects that should be on your shortlist in FM24.
Andreas Schjelderup
Andreas Schjelderup is a highly-rated talent after establishing himself in the Norwegian top flight with FC Nordsjaelland.
The 19-year-old is an exciting prospect equipped with abilities that establish him as a creative attacker. There is no telling how far Schjelderup’s development can go, but snatching him in FM24 will be difficult.
The high-value youngster completed a move to Benfica in January, so managers will be made to wait a couple of years before signing him from the Portuguese champions.
Giorgio Scalvini
Giorgio Scalvini is one of the most promising talents in the Italian top flight, having established himself at Atalanta since progressing through the youth ranks.
The 19-year-old’s versatility makes him a more eye-catching target, as he can slot in seamlessly in defensive midfield when called upon.
Scalvini’s performances have already earned him a place in the Italian national team. He is one of the best young centre-backs in FM23 and should remain so in the new edition.
Roony Bardghji
Roony Bardghji is another relatively unknown talent that has made his mark in the Danish top flight with Copenhagen.
After joining Copenhagen’s youth team in 2020, the 17-year-old has risen through the ranks over the years before establishing himself in the first team set-up.
He has already clocked 42 top-flight appearances with the Danish giants and is a hugely impressive talent in FM23 with strong dribbling and finishing stats. He should be a top priority for managers in FM24.
Rayan Cherki
Rayan Cherki has been widely described as the next jewel in the crown of the Olympique Lyonnais Academy.
He is still a diamond in the rough, but the versatile forward hit new heights for the French giants last season, notching ten goal contributions in 34 league games.
The 19-year-old still has plenty of room for development, but he is already a highly talented technician who is very strong on both feet, with decent speed to match.
He could be the perfect project player for managers looking to build a squad with a strong youth contingent in FM 24.
Xavi Simons
After tearing up Eredivisie with several delightful performances with proficiency in front of goal to match, it would be criminal not to recognise Xavi Simons in the FM 24 watch list conversation.
The 20-year-old finished as joined top scorer in the Dutch top flight last season after netting 19 times in 34 league games and is already attracting interest from several top teams across Europe.
Simons is the cream of the crop and should get a well-deserved transfer to a European heavyweight this summer.
But that could scupper plans to snap him up as early as possible in FM 24 unless you’re starting up a save with his potential new club.
Cesare Casadei
Cesare Casadei is a must-buy talent in FM 24, although it is highly unlikely that Chelsea would be willing to part ways with the youngster.
His valuation is expected to skyrocket, especially after his performances in the Under-20 World Cup, where he showed a keen eye for goal after finishing as the top scorer with seven goals.
Youssoufa Moukoko
Borussia Dortmund’s gem Youssoufa Moukoko has been a remarkable talent over the last two editions of the Football Manager franchise, and he has shown no signs of slowing down any time soon.
The 17-year-old has scored his way into the Dortmund first team, helping Der BVB fill the void left by his predecessor Erling Braut Haaland.
Boasting solid dribbling, finishing, and first-touch qualities, Moukoko has the potential to grow into a world-class talent, and managers should be looking to break the bank for the youngster in FM 24.
