It’s already been a hectic summer for Aston Villa and the transfer window hasn’t even opened up yet.
Philippe Coutinho, Boubacar Kamara and Diego Carlos have all been brought in on permanent transfers with more expected to follow suit in the coming weeks.
It’s got to a stage where no rumour seems too far-fetched - even computer generated squads aren’t looking that far from the truth.
So, we did the only logical thing in this scenario and took to Football Manager 22 to see what they have Villa’s new-look squad looking like.
The popular video game franchise is renowned for its meticulous detail and authentic approach to the world of, well, football management, and we thought we’d take a look into the future by fast forwarding to the end of the 2022 transfer summer transfer window.
Check out Villa’s in-game starting XI from the first day of the 2022/23 Premier League season below...
5. LB - Lucas Digne
The left-back joined Aston Villa from Everton in January and keeps his place going into next year. Photo: James Gill
6. CM - Jacob Ramsey
Last season’s players’ player of the year and young player of the year is a must start going forward. | Getty Images
7. CM - Boubacar Kamara
Villa’s newest midfielder in real life starts alongside Ramsey in game. | avfc.co.uk
8. RM - Leon Bailey
After an injury-hit campaign last year - Bailey is given the nod from the start in August. | AFP via Getty Images