Real Madrid Transfer Rumors: Teams Suited for Kaka

It was only a few years ago that Brazilian midfielder Kaka was sitting atop the footballing world. With an array of titles, accolades and awards to his name, there seemed like nobody on this planet could match Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite’s touch and vision.

After picking up world football’s two most coveted prizes (the Ballon d’Or and Fifa World Player of the Year) in 2007, Kaka was riding waves of momentum as he took his club AC Milan to new heights. To reward his accomplishments, Real Madrid smashed the world record transfer fee to bring the Brazilian to the Santiago Bernabeu.

With his career in Madrid surrounded with such promising hype, he suffered injuries that derailed his progress, causing him to miss eight months in his first year there. When he returned to the fold, he suffered lapses in form and seemed to lack the confidence he once had.

Presently, the former World Player of the Year is surplus to requirements at Real Madrid, as pundits and critics alike feel Kaka’s time in the Spanish capital is coming to a close. Kaka is adamant on staying with Los Blancos and fighting for a place in the first team, but with younger and more technical midfielders at Jose Mourinho’s disposal, perhaps moving on will help revitalize his career.

Here is a list of six teams that certainly could utilize the Brazilian play maker and how they could deploy him within their system.

Tottenham Hotspur

Spurs have been caught up in plenty of drama throughout the summer. Their prized midfielder, Luka Modric, has been desperately seeking a move away from the London club, with Chelsea his preferred destination. Manager Harry Redknapp is quick to quell these rumors through the media, but nothing is certain at this point.

If Spurs do in fact accept a final bid from Chelsea in the closing days, the money they obtain for the Croatian can be used to lure the Brazilian to White Hart Lane.  I am sure the manager and fans would quickly forget about the drama of the summer if a big name like Kaka arrived. His name alone would be a marketing explosion and his quality could instantly lift Spurs out of relegation.

If Kaka is to arrive, I envision him sliding in to the exact role Luka Modric has in Tottenham’s midfield. He is a natural play making midfielder who possesses uncanny dribbling skills, outstanding body strength and a menacing shot. Kaka could find success and rejuvenation in Redknapp’s side because he would be the “it” man for Spurs and having that label could definitely raise the Brazilian’s confidence level.

Manchester City

The blue side of Manchester has been ever present in transfer activities since the club was taken over by Sheik Mansour. After a summer in which they landed starlets Sergio Aguero and Samir Nasri, nothing seems unordinary for the Citizens at this point. With the money they have and the outlandish bids they place regularly, landing the Brazilian is certainly an option to strengthen their already stacked midfield.

Kaka was linked with City back in 2009, before he was bought up by Real Madrid. Renewing their interest in the play maker seems reasonable for the club, as they have pursued him before. If Sheik Mansour feels the need to reinforce the Champion’s League newcomers, expect a lofty bid to bring Kaka to the Etihad Stadium.

If Kaka were to arrive at Manchester City, their midfield would not only be the most gifted in the Premier League, but also easily one of the best in the world. Roberto Mancini could play him as a withdrawn striker underneath Eden Dzeko, and have Samir Nasri and Sergio Aguero flank him in attack. Considering the uncertainty surrounding Carlos Tevez’s future, bringing Kaka would make selling the agitated Argentine that much easier.

Arsenal FC

If there is any squad in the world of football in need of a boost in morale, it is undoubtedly the Gunners.  After picking up one point out of their first three league games and seeing their inexperienced squad embarrassed by Manchester United last weekend, it is necessary that Arsene Wenger brings in some quality. With the leadership and experience Kaka has, Arsenal should highly consider bringing in the cultured play maker to lead his midfield.

The media has reported that Kaka is on Arsenal’s radar, and this should have supporters dreaming that this move materializes. Wenger has never been one to shell out much for aging talent, but at 29, Kaka should have a few good years left in him if he escapes the treatment table. He would be highly influential for young players like Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere and help them continue their maturation into world-class players.

The Arsenal midfield is already suffering with injuries and inexperience, and if Kaka were to arrive at the Emirates, he would easily be a focal point in the starting 11. Picture the Brazilian pulling the strings for the Gunners as young talents like Ramsey, Gervinho, Walcott and Wilshere provide attacking options. Wenger could easily turn this dismal campaign around with the acquisition of the play maker and get the club back to contending.

AC Milan

AC Milan, fresh off a Scudetto, is looking to defend the title whenever the Italian league begins. After bringing in talented defenders Philippe Mexes and Taye Taiwo, AC Milan is looking to address their midfield. With the likes of Gennaro Gattuso, Clarence Seedorf and Massimo Ambrosini all getting old, Kaka could come back to the club that propelled him to stardom and orchestrate their midfield once again

Although Milan’s midfield is aging, there are plenty of young options that could harmonize the Brazilian. Kevin-Prince Boateng and Alberto Aquilani look to be perfect role players within the Rossoneri midfield, as does 25-year-old Urby Emanuelson. Kaka could provide a spark in the competitive midfield as he vies for a starting role.

If AC Milan were able to bring back the talented midfielder, he could be used just as he was during his first stint with the club. Massimiliano Allegri could install a five-man midfield, with Kaka sitting underneath giant Swede Zlatan Ibrahimovic. He could also be asked to sit back more and spray balls to onrushing wingers like Antonio Cassano and Alexandre Pato, making the most of his versatility and passing abilities.

Internazionale

Seeing their rivals dethrone them as champs and establish themselves as Italy’s best, Inter Milan will be looking to reclaim their dominance in Serie A. After winning four straight league titles dating back to 2006, the Nerazzurri are looking to find an X-factor to get them back to the top. Kaka can provide that with the experience he has had in Serie A.

With the future of Wesley Sneijder continuously in question, Kaka would be a suited replacement for the Dutchman if he still decides to leave for Manchester United. And even if he does stay, the tandem of Kaka and Wesley Sneijder is surely a mouthwatering one. Provided young players like Philippe Coutinho and Ricardo Alvarez develop like many anticipate, the addition of Kaka could certainly make Inter’s midfield extremely envious.

The best possible situation for the Milan club is that they retain the services of Wesley Sneijder, however, nothing is clear with the diminutive Dutchman. If he decides to part ways with the club, Kaka can be trusted with taking the play making reigns from Sneijder. The Brazilian would be able to risk going forward knowing defensive lynchpin Esteban Cambiasso and hardworking Dejan Stankovic have his back.

Real Madrid

When he is in form and escapes injury, it is undeniable the inspiration Kaka provides to his squad. It was prevalent during his time at AC Milan and with the opportunities he has been provided at Real Madrid. The club would be crazy to let the boisterous figure leave so easily, and if they can, they will try and keep him.

It is unfortunate that Kaka’s time at Real Madrid has been overshadowed by injuries and struggling form. The Brazilian is respected by his teammates and coaches and appears to be liked by the supporters. Jose Mourinho wouldn’t mind having one more option in his already impressive midfield, and Kaka could provide depth in case someone goes down injured.

While I see Kaka more as a super-sub than a continuous starter, producing for Los Merengues shouldn’t be a problem considering the talent depth in the squad. When Cristiano Ronaldo is leading the attack line and Mesut Ozil is marauding in the midfield, it makes life much easier on a footballer. If Kaka is to stay expect, his assist ratio to skyrocket and his clever passing play rewarded.