Sports

Red Bulls’ pursuit of Kaka ‘dead’ for now: source

In the Red Bulls’ on-again, off-again pursuit of Kaka, it appears the Brazilian superstar hasn’t moved on from the MLS club, but New York has moved on from him. A source in Spain said Real Madrid wants to sell Kaka, but another source within MLS flatly told the Post at the moment any chance of New York signing him was “dead.”

“That deal is dead,’’ the league source told the Post.

The source cautioned that things could always change quickly, but added that the Red Bulls have undergone something of a philosophical shift away from the long litany of aging stars they’ve signed in the past. It’s a shift that might prove very welcome to their fans.

After watching the likes of Sporting KC and Real Salt Lake and Houston build their teams over a number of seasons, the Red Bulls are looking to emulate that and do the same in their quest for the MLS Cup.

“There is more value in a 27 or 28-yeat-old, someone who can contribute for several years,’’ the source continued. And value is the operative word.

At 31-years-old, and not quite the dominant force he once was, it is unclear if Kaka is that. The Brazilian is clearly still an outstanding player, and Real Madrid coach Carlo Anncelotti knows him better than most, their pair having teamed up for Milan’s last Champions League crown.

But Real Madrid has Mesut Ozil, Luka Modric, and the recently-signed Isco, and Real Madrid even gave away Kaka’s preferred No. 8 jersey to a younger prospect in a sure sign he could be on the outs.

A source in Spain said “Yes, (that) sounds bad. Real Madrid wants to sell Kaká. The Brazilian earns a lot of money. Carlo Ancelotti wants to speak with him about his future. Kaká will cost €20million, too expensive because his last years wasn’t very good.’’

The Red Bulls actually lodged the largest bid for Kaka last summer, but were turned down. Now it sounds as if they could be looking in another direction, not doubting Kaka’s class, but his value. It should be noted the Red Bulls signed Kaka’s brother Digao at the end of last season and he is making $200,000 annually but has yet to make any impact whatsoever.

They also have to consider the questionable future of Thierry Henry. The French star is under contract for next season, but will turn 36 next month, and at that age retirement – or diminishing skills – could always come into play.

Either way, with the transfer window having opened and two players having just concluded trials and a third having just started one this week, the Red Bulls might well spread their money on several players and hold off signing a Designated Player until they get more clarity on Kaka, Henry or a number of issues.