Kaka may be good fit for MLS, but Galaxy shows patience

By Frederick Dreier, Special to USA TODAY Sports | USATODAY

Before David Beckham played his final game for the Los Angeles Galaxy at the MLS Cup this month, speculation mounted to who Major League Soccer would tap to replace the international star.

Since then, one name has dominated the chatter: Brazilian superstar midfielder Kaka (pronounced ka-KAW).

At 30, Kaka fits the model of MLS acquisition. He's a bona fide star in Europe, and he's the kind of player who could be the new face of MLS.

Kaka — whose real name is Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite — is a former FIFA player of the year whose goal scoring and flashy play helped him garner a 65 million Euro transfer fee when he jumped from AC Milan to Real Madrid in 2009. He owns a Champions League title from 2007 and is featured prominently on EA Sport's 2011 FIFA video game.

After a Nov. 15 game between Brazil and Colombia at New Jersey's Red Bull Arena, Kaka told news reporters he was contemplating a move to MLS.

"One day I hope I can play in MLS," he said, "but I don't think that is now."

AEG President Tim Leiweke, who oversees the Galaxy, fanned the flames Nov. 30, telling Sports Illustrated he had informed the Brazilian the Galaxy were interested in buying him.

Since then, both sides have backed away from any relationship. Kaka reaffirmed his dedication to Real Madrid in a postgame interview Dec. 5, and his agent did not respond to requests for comment on his ambitions in MLS.

Chris Klein, vice president for the Galaxy, did not comment, citing Kaka's existing contract with Spain's Real Madrid, which runs through 2015.

Klein said the Galaxy don't need to fill Beckham's slot as a team designated player — a marquee player whose multimillion-dollar salary only counts $350,000 toward the MLS salary cap — in order to be competitive. The presence of Robbie Keane and Landon Donovan, he said, means the Galaxy can take their time in replacing Beckham.

"Tim (Leiweke)'s comments show that we're not shy in talking about bringing in a third designated player," Klein said. "Going into next year we're confident we have the two best (designated players) in the league, so we can be patient."

Klein also dispelled rumors Donovan, who hinted at possible retirement after 2012, would step away from soccer.

"We're confident fans are going to see a refreshed Landon in 2013," he said.

The league's flirtation with Kaka has fueled the ongoing debate on whether MLS should continue chasing expensive international superstars or spend its money elsewhere. It's undeniable Beckham furthered MLS' reputation abroad and helped MLS gain exposure in mainstream American media. But many soccer insiders doubt that Kaka — who would require upwards of $5 million a year and an unknown transfer fee — would garner Beckham-like attention in the U.S.

"Outside of signing a global superstar like (Lionel) Messi, I just don't know," said Richard Motzkin, who represents Donovan and U.S. women's team goalie Hope Solo with Wasserman Media Group. "I think MLS should build up its own stars like Omar Gonzales and (Chris) Pontius."

The other obstacle blocking a trade for Kaka is the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. International federations have infamously undervalued MLS competition, fueling speculation Kaka would continue to play in Europe for fear of being left off Brazil's squad for the tournament.

Todd Durbin, Major League Soccer's executive vice president of player relations, disputed that opinion, and said international players regularly come to MLS knowing they can still play for European clubs on transfer after the MLS season ends in December. Beckham continued to play for AC Milan while with the Galaxy, and French star Thierry Henry took the field for British club Arsenal after his move to the New York Red Bulls, Durbin said.

Durbin said that the league's player relations office works in conjunction with clubs when pursuing international stars. The clubs, he said, generally make the initial outreach, and the league then helps with negotiations. The process, he said, can take months or days, depending on a player's interest in coming to MLS.

Like Klein, Durbin confirmed the league is open to pursuing an international star. But attracting talent such as Kaka, he said, does not sit atop the league's list.

"We're in a different place than where we were when (Beckham) came in six years ago," Durbin said. "It will always be important to sign players with name recognition, but it's not an absolute must-have."