More freedom in Fantasy Manager
Will you go for a star-studded attack or additional defensive cover? Starting with the 2026/27 season, managers will be able to assemble their squads much more flexibly, transfer players across positions, and field a 5-2-3 formation for the first time.
Fantasy Manager is receiving a major tactical update for the 2026/27 season. The previously fixed squad structure is being relaxed, allowing managers to better tailor their 15-man roster to their preferred formation and strategy.
A full squad will still consist of exactly 13 outfield players and two goalkeepers. However, there will be more flexible limits for the other positions: managers can sign four to six defenders, four to six midfielders, and two to four forwards. This makes it possible, for example, to build a deeper defence or to include four forwards in the squad for more attacking options.
All new with 5-2-3
Previous restrictions on the transfer market have also been lifted. A sold player no longer needs to be replaced by someone in the same position. For example, a defender can be sold and a striker signed instead. Similarly, transfers from midfield to defence or from attack to midfield are now possible. The crucial factor remains that the squad must meet all positional limits and comply with the applicable budget and transfer rules after the transfer.
To reflect this greater freedom, the 5-2-3 formation has been added. This brings the total 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 even select a formation if their squad doesn't yet have enough players for every required position. The open spot will be clearly marked and can be filled until the deadline. However, if it remains empty, no points will be awarded for that position.
Key to success?
The new features significantly add depth to squad planning. Managers can strategically focus on defence, midfield, or attack, assemble their bench more deliberately, and react more flexibly to form, injuries, or the fixture schedule when making transfers. Whether a squad with six defenders, four strikers, or the maximum in midfield options offers the best strategy is likely to be one of the most exciting questions in Bundesliga Fantasy Manager over 2026/27.
