FM24 - Top 8 clubs to manage

Many may have already noticed, but we recently released a transfer update for Football Manager 2023 that allows you to simulate the new 23/24 season. Transfers, promotions, relegations, and new European starting lists provide the perfect ingredients to recreate the first season of FM24 to some extent. (If not, download it here)

One of the common questions we see on our social media is, "Which club should I manage?" This list can help you with that! We've gathered eight clubs, all of which have intriguing background stories or made significant signings in the summer of 2023. Are you up for the challenge?

1. Luton Town - Premier League

The first club on this list that absolutely cannot be overlooked is Luton Town. The club was playing in the Conference League in 2014 and managed to climb to the Premier League in just 10 years. But is the club ready for the top level in England? The stadium sometimes resembles an amateur location, and the squad is far from strong enough to compete with the big boys of the Premier League. It's a challenge that many managers might shy away from, but we're sure that a season with Luton can provide some amazing moments.

2. Union Berlin - Bundesliga

While the big money at Hertha BSC seems to have dwindled, their city rival, Union Berlin, is on a remarkable rise in the Bundesliga. The club was promoted to the Bundesliga in 2019, and over the past four years, the team has consistently improved, with last season's third-place finish as the highlight. The club makes its debut in the FMUpdate in the Champions League and might even create a bigger surprise! Can Union make waves in both Europe and Germany?

3. Sampdoria - Serie B

Genoa experienced a dark day when Sampdoria was relegated from Serie A after nearly a decade. The club that once made a name for itself in the top Italian football division and reached the Champions League final in the early '90s is now nothing more than a struggling team. Sampdoria has a depleted squad in need of a revamp. If you enjoy building as a manager, Sampdoria is the perfect club for you!

4. Galatasaray - Super Lig

Has any club in Europe had a transfer window like Galatasaray? The Turkish powerhouse made waves by signing a significant number of top-class players, including Hakim Ziyech, Wilfried Zaha, Tanguy Ndombele, Angelino, Davinson Sanchez, and Mauro Icardi. With this squad, Galatasaray could attempt to win a European prize. Are you up for the challenge in Turkey, leading Galatasaray to glory?

5. Belenenses - Liga SABSEG

The story of Belenenses is often found only in books. It's one of the oldest clubs in Portugal and has experienced many highs and lows throughout its history. The lowest point was reached in 2018 when a dispute within the club led to a split between CF OS Belenenses and Belenenses SAD. The latter retained the stadium rights and professional license, and after numerous legal battles, it continues as BSAD. The other part of the club fell to amateur status and had to fight its way back into professional football. Most of the club's fans remained loyal to Belenenses, with at least 5,000 spectators attending home games. In recent years, Belenenses has climbed the ranks of Portuguese football, and in the last season, the club secured promotion to the second tier through playoffs. Belenenses is just one step away from their long-awaited return to the top flight. Can you give them the final push?

6. Inter Miami - Major League Soccer

At the beginning of 2023, Inter Miami was the weakest club in Major League Soccer. The club owned by football legend David Beckham was at the bottom of the table and seemed destined for another dull season. Then, in July, Lionel Messi suddenly appeared. The Argentine had seen enough of Paris and decided to move to Miami. Messi also brought along some friends in the form of Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba. Since then, Miami has been a hotbed in MLS and has even won a trophy. Everyone has wanted to manage Messi in FM, and it's even more exciting that you can now use him in a slightly lesser-known league. Get ready for record-breaking goals!

7. Olympique Lyon - Ligue 1

Lyon once won Ligue 1 seven times in a row. Nowadays, Lyon is a club facing financial issues and has been forced to sell many expensive players. What remains is a club that is likely heading for relegation to Ligue 2. It would be a disaster for French football. Taking charge of Lyon presents you with a tough challenge, especially because the club's owner and chairman seem to have little patience with their managers. Can you save Lyon from their downfall?

8. NAC Breda - Keuken Kampioen Divisie

After Lyon, here's another club in decline. NAC may not have been a seven-time champion in the Eredivisie, but it's a club where things are turbulent. Recently, the Breda-based club sacked its manager, and despite high ambitions, it looks like a challenging season awaits NAC in the second division of the Netherlands. It's a shame because NAC is a beloved club in the Netherlands, and the atmosphere and intensity of the fans during matches are widely praised. If you're looking for a long

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