Wishlist for BAL Mode. I am much more likely to play a game with better gameplay, however the details of a game are what brings it together, so they are also important.
1. Contract Negotiations - Please do not make me re-sign with my club every year. Allow multi-year deals, hold-outs, extensions, etc. Also, I would like to see this area given much more depth. You should be able to see who the manager is (philosophy); not receive crap ridiculous bids from lower table teams in no-name leagues. Would Blackburn really make a bid for a four-time world player of the year who is only 30?
2. Agents - You should be presented with the option of hiring various agents (with varying strengths and negotiating skillsets). Also, you should be able to give the agent various demands when negotiating to only get contract offers that you will actually accept (or force you to lower your demands); such as wage demands; jersey number; absolutely will-not play for (ex: I would tell my agent to not even pick up the phone if Liverpool were calling); only teams in CL; etc.
3. Media Interaction - Interviews; Charity events; etc. This should have an effect on your play; teammate interaction; coaching decisions; etc. Perhaps an "off-the-field" persona you can build (and grow through media interactions, on-the-field antics such as diving and celebrations) which script into various events throughout a career. Ex: Having a run-in with the law mid-career and dealing with it in the media, in the changing room and on the field. What would be off the charts is a media interaction where they interview your player in the native language - creating a situation where you will get misquoted based on a lack of knowledge of Italian, for example. Then getting an angry message from your agent who now has to do damage control.
4. Sponsorship deals - As discussed previously, this would be a great addition. Perhaps a bit of interaction between practicing, sponsorship commitments and media interaction would be great. For example you can only practice once this week because you were contractually obligated to participate in a advertisement shoot and attend a charity dinner.
5. Practice sessions that are not just reserve games (already discussed in this thread).
6. Testimonial matches (where you can pick the players; including classic players even if they have retired).
7. More realistic physical growth. My 33 year-old player should not look the same as when he was 17. (More wrinkles and age spots, etc.)
8. Injuries - include extended (broken bones); season-ending and career ending injuries at random. Not just the 2 week injury that keeps re-occurring. Also, a description of what type of injury (not just "injured") would be cool.
9. The option to go into management / coaching when I retire. (Shifts the BAL mode to Master League while keeping all the ratings, rosters, etc.)
While again, gameplay is the most important feature, all of these things would add to an experience of actually being a professional footballer. Dealing with all the antics and commitments while still trying to win and get better.
Irregardless, I am looking forward to 2010.