The summer transfer window was an undoubted success for Aston Villa and laid the foundations for what has already been a remarkable season. The Villa board backed Unai Emery as he brought in Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby and Villarreal defender Pau Torres in big money deals before agreeing loan moves for Nicolo Zaniolo and Clement Lenglet.
The former Arsenal boss also saw off competition from a whole host of clubs across the Premier League and beyond to land Belgian midfielder Youri Tielemans on a free transfer following his departure from Leicester City. With his new additions now firmly settled, Emery is leading Villa's march towards a Champions League place and some pundits have even suggested an unlikely push for the Premier League title could be on the cards.
However, some have stated the latter of those targets may depend on how Villa navigate the January transfer window. So we thought we would fire up Football Manager 2024 to see how the world's most popular managerial simulation believes Villa will function when the winter trading period opens for business.
1. IN: Nordi Mukiele - on loan from PSG
The once-capped France international joined on a half-season loan - but there is no agreement over a possible permanent switch to Villa Park. | Getty Images for Qatar Airways
2. OUT: Leander Dendoncker - £6m to Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The Belgian midfielder opted to return to his former club after snubbing interest from two Saudi Pro-League clubs. | Getty Images
3. IN: Dan Ballard - £12m from Sunderland
The former Arsenal defender has impressed at the Stadium of Light - but he will now look to force his way into a disciplined Villa defence. Photo: Frank Reid
4. OUT: Kortney Hause - £1m to Leeds United
It's a drop into the Championship for the defender as he joins Leeds United in a cut price move. | Getty Images