Bundesliga Fantasy Manager: more freedom in 2026/27
A star-studded attack or extra cover at the back? From the 2026/27 season, Fantasy Managers will be able to put together their squads with much greater flexibility, make transfers across positions and, for the first time, field a 5-2-3 formation.
Fantasy Manager is receiving a major tactical update for the 2026/27 season, giving managers greater freedom to build their squads around their preferred formation and strategy.
While every squad will still consist of 15 outfield players and two goalkeepers, the fixed positional structure is being replaced with flexible limits. Managers can now select between four and six defenders, four and six midfielders, and two and four forwards.
The change allows for a wider range of tactical approaches. For example, managers can strengthen their defensive options by carrying six defenders or opt for greater attacking flexibility by including up to four forwards.
A new formation option
Transfer market restrictions have also been relaxed. Managers are no longer required to replace a departing player with someone in the same position. For example, a defender can be sold to make room for a striker, while midfielders can be swapped for defenders or attackers, provided the squad continues to meet all positional limits, budget requirements and transfer rules.
To complement this added flexibility, a new 5-2-3 formation has been introduced, increasing the number of available systems to eight: 3-5-2, 3-4-3, 4-4-2, 4-3-3, 4-5-1, 5-3-2, 5-4-1 and 5-2-3.
Managers can also select a formation before every required position has been filled. Any vacant spot will be clearly marked and can be completed before the deadline. If it remains unfilled, however, no points will be awarded for that position.
These new features add a new layer of depth to squad planning. Managers can place greater emphasis on defence, midfield or attack, build their squad around a preferred tactical approach, and react more flexibly to form, injuries and the fixture schedule when making transfers.
Whether six defenders, four forwards or a midfield-heavy squad proves to be the most effective strategy is set to be one of the biggest talking points in Bundesliga Fantasy Manager during the 2026/27 season.
