While the Premier League has long been regarded as the most lucrative division in world football, there have only been minimal occasions where English football has been able to boast having the best player on the planet ply his trade on these shores. However, with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo reaching the latter stages of their career, finances could soon dictate that established stars or highly-regarded prospects make their way to England's top flight. With Premier League clubs in a position where they may make some significant additions this summer, which players would only enhance the division going forward?
Just like punters like to rely on a respected Casino Rating when placing bets, fans of some of the Premier League's best teams will want to see more entertaining football when they return to the stands, and there is still value in bringing Messi to the Premier League. All things considered, it appears that Manchester City are the only English club who possess the funds needed to sign the legendary Argentine, but his marketability should mean that there is little risk in the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea making a play for the 33-year-old. Even if it is only for a couple of years, the Premier League could benefit from everything that Messi has to offer, particularly with Spanish and Italian clubs looking to make cutbacks where possible.
Erling Braut Haaland falls into the same bracket. The likes of Real Madrid and Juventus are known to be long-term admirers of the 20-year-old, but they will not be able to sign the Norwegian unless they get some top earners off their wage bill. With the futures of Sergio Aguero, Mohamed Salah and Harry Kane all up in the air, English football may soon be lacking an elite player in the final third, increasing the need for Haaland to leave Borussia Dortmund for the Premier League. Given his father's background at Man City and Leeds United, the division may get the shot in the arm that it requires.
Moving away from forward areas and there is currently an opportunity to acquire the services of Gianluigi Donnarumma on a free transfer. As a result of his fondness for AC Milan, the goalkeeper may eventually decide to sign a contract past the end of this season, but there are clubs in the Premier League who naturally hold an interest in the 22-year-old. Paris Saint-Germain have been suggested as his most likely destination, but the likes of Man United and Chelsea could get involved if they are able to part ways with David de Gea and Kepa Arrizabalaga respectively.
Away from the world-reknown names, and Premier League clubs have frequently been linked with Patson Daka and Thiago Almada. Having contributed 18 goals and five assists in just 20 starts in Austria's top flight this season, Red Bull Salzburg attacker Daka will surely move on in the summer, and Premier League clubs must do all that they can to secure his signature. As well as having the potential to become Africa's best player over the next decade, the 22-year-old possesses the ability to become a game-changer at whichever club he chooses to join. Diminutive in stature, Almada may be more suited to another of European football's top leagues, but the constant links to Man City mean that no-one will be surprised if the playmaker takes on the challenge of forging his way in the game with a spell in the Premier League.
