Milan is reportedly interested in bringing Kaka back to the San Siro from Real Madrid. The Italian giant might be willing to send Zlatan Ibrahimovic the other way in a cash-plus-player swap, according to Football Italia.
“Kaka is ready to break away from Real Madrid and [is] negotiating to terminate his contract,” Football Italia reports. “This could also suit the Spaniards, who have three more years on the deal worth €11 million [$13.8 million] per season.
“It is also reported that Kaka could come in to Milan as a replacement for Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who’d be sold to Madrid in order to reunite with Jose Mourinho from their time together at Inter.”
Kaka, the 2007 FIFA World Player of the Year, starred for Milan from 2003-09. He won a host of trophies in Italy, Europe and beyond as Milan’s key man in the midfield, but he’s failed to live up to his billing in three seasons at Real Madrid. Milan sold him to Real for a staggering £54 million ($84 million) in 2009, but the Brazilian midfielder has struggled to recapture the form that made him one of the game’s best players last decade.
After recovering from his long-standing injury problems, Kaka was unable to break into the starting lineup during the decisive games of the 2011-12 seasons. He has reportedly decided to leave the Spanish capital, and it was thought that he would either remain in the country or join a Premier League team.
Ibrahimovic has enjoyed two stand-out seasons with Milan. He returned to Serie A in 2010 after an unhappy, one-year spell with FC Barcelona, and continued doing what he does best: winning league titles. The 2011 Scudetto (Serie A title) was his eighth straight domestic triumph — a streak which spanned five clubs in three countries.
The Swedish hitman has expressed his displeasure at Milan’s financial situation. Last week, the club was close to selling star defender Thiago Silva, but decided not to in the end. Ibrahimovic has seen a number of veterans leave the club since the end of the season, and he has publicly complained about the “economic difficulties” Milan is experiencing.
Selling Ibrahimovic to Madrid would fill Milan’s coffers with much-needed funds, and Kaka’s return would energize its concerned fanbase. It would also reunite Ibrahimovic with Jose Mourinho, who managed Inter Milan (and “Ibra”) to the Serie A title in 2009.
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