Lots of anecdotal and published evidence suggest that they do.
This for example...
http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Everton-using-Football-Manager-computer-game-article33798.html
It is hard for me to justify giving for example Jay Rodriguez a boost to his current ability when I've never seen him play in person. If when I get my file back I notice there is something factually wrong (like his height) rather than subjective (like his finishing) then I'll change it. I won't make any attribute changes for any Saints summer signings until the January window patch next year.
It isn't really a secret.
http://www.saintsfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10280~2777505,00.html
http://www.saintsfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10280~2808185,00.html
What is the point? You have a one in thirty eight chance of randomly guessing.
Not down to me, I didn't touch his ratings before he was sacked in real life. Researchers don't change the ratings of recently moved players/staff. Just as I won't change Jay Rodriguez for FM13 and will rely on the opinion of the Burnley researcher until the first data update in 2013 and I've seen Rodriguez play for myself.
It is Jay Rodriguez's dad, who is over twice Aymen Abdennour's age and looks nothing like him!
In any case why would Aymen Abdennour be at Jay Rodriguez's unveiling and having pictures with him and Rodriguez's agent? Do you not think Rodriguez, Rodriguez's dad and Rodriguez's agent make a lot more sense to be in a photo?
The man you think is a 21 year old Tunisian international...
Jay Rodriguez's dad (who is in his 40's)...
Aymen Abdennour...
Thread over.