I don't fully understand it myself, but I think those star players become available after you've invested in a few big money players who are available; the likes of C Hodgson, S Jones, R Januarie, though that's off the top of my head. Unfortunately, I'm not too sure how many of those are available when you join the Elite League.

I reckon you should try and buy up whoever's expensive and available in the transfer list, and you might have some progress there. Otherwise, start over again in the World League and keep in mind you'll be needing one big money name like Hodgson or Jones.