Let’s just get this out of the way: it is unlikely that Lionel Messi will end his career in China. He has gone on record multiple times saying that he wants to end his career at Barcelona, with the only other possibility being a return to his native Argentina. But should the landscape of Lionel Messi’s life change enough, and not in unheard-of ways, it is possible for him to move to China at the end of his career.

After this winter's mass exodus of attacking talent to the Glorious People's Republic of China, we were left with two feelings: confusion at what had just happened and wonder at what will come next. Here are 10 players we think have a good chance of landing in the Far East.

Christian Benteke

He's been disappointing since he came to Liverpool, and elling him to China might be the only way for the Reds to make their money back.

Mario Balotelli

See above.

Hulk

It's pretty safe to say that unless you're a Chelsea fan, you probably hate Diego Costa. His mastery of the dark arts of football tends to rub a lot of people the wrong way. He is the pantomime villain of the Premier League, the Loki of the world's game, the Iago to the Othello that is the Premier League referee. 

Before Mexican striker Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez set the world on fire at Bayer Leverkusen, he was a backup Manchester United striker who just wanted some playing time. He almost went to MLS to get it.

Bayer Leverkusen ended up with Hernandez, but also in the mix were Juventus, Lazio and Orlando City, among others.

From ESPNFC:

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is having a very good year. For a time, he was the highest scoring player in Europe, and his form since losing that title has not exactly been bad. As of today, he has 37 goals in 45 total competitions, per Transfermarkt. Amidst all the good publicity his form has earned him, Aubameyang has teamed up with Dutch freestyler Soufiane Touzani in order to film one bad ass cross bar challenge video.

One of the most talented young forwards in the history of the American game has officially joined Schalke 04, bringing a close to a deal that had been in the works since January.

Forgotten in Brazil after a few seasons, Alexandre Pato is back in the spotlight and apparently, he’s going to do his best to stay this time.

At least, those are the hints given by reports buzzing around the media. According to TeamTalk, Antonio Conte is keen on keeping the prolific striker in the Blues’ uniform when he lands in Stamford Bridge.

On June 28, 2012, Mario Balotelli peaked. His thunderous second goal in the first 40 minutes of Italy’s Euro 2012 semi-final clash with Germany highlighted a stupendous tournament for the mercurial striker. Named in the Euro 2012 Team of the Tournament and finishing the joint top scorer, Balotelli’s summer exploits concluded a maniacal season for the Italian.