As mentioned in the Argus story (although a few on here didn't believe me) these signings were "Brexit Punts" in the belief that a work permit would be easier post Brexit.
I assume they heard it from the same source.
I don't get it.
There are three separate things here, that seem to be morphing into one, in most people's mind.
1 The right to visit this country and include an extended stay.
2 The right to work in this country.
3 The right to become a citizen.
I don't know the exact rules, but most top footballers, would pass an economic test to demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to support themselves during an extended stay in this country.
The right to work as a professional footballer is not limited by the EU but by the FAs rules on non-Eu footballers. This is why we see players, in other EU countries, that can not get permission to play in the premier league. The logic is we don't want cheap foreign players, blocking the progress of local prospects.
The right to become a British citizen and remain indefinitely, should not have any influence over players who come here to play. If some players choose to pursue this after an extended period of residence, that is entirely a personal decision.