Orlando City confirms "advanced discussions" with Kaka for 2015 season
Orlando City is in advanced discussions to sign former Brazilian international Kaka ahead of its MLS debut in 2015, according to a statement released by the club.
Kaka, 32, will reportedly leave AC Milan this summer to join the MLS side ahead of its debut next year, according to a report from ESPN analyst Taylor Twellman which was later confirmed by the Orlando Sentinel. The former FIFA World Player of the Year will spend the next six months on loan with Brazilian side Sao Paulo - another reported suitor for his services - before joining Orlando City in 2015.
Orlando City released a statement on Friday morning in response to those reports to confirm the transfer discussions and note the two parties had not reached a deal as of yet.
“Orlando City Soccer Club is in advanced discussions with Kaka," according to the statement. "Pending completion of the potential player agreement, Kaka would join Orlando City SC in January 2015 prior to the Club’s first season in Major League Soccer. The Club will have no additional comment until further notice.”
The long-rumored move will provide Orlando City with an important cornerstone as it transitions from USL PRO to MLS next year. Orlando City promised to make a splash with a signing or two to herald its arrival in the top flight and stated its admiration for Kaka several times over the past year. Kaka expressed his interest in moving to MLS to Italian outlets in March, though the exact timing of his American switch always remained uncertain.
“In the future, I’d like to play in America,” Kaká told Corriere della Sera, as translated by Football Italia. “At the end of the season, I’ll talk to [Milan president] Adriano Galliani to understand his ideas and those of the club. If I was to leave, then I would like a transfer to the United States.”
It now appears Kaka has opted to cut ties with AC Milan this summer and continue his career in Orlando at the turn of the year. The move represents yet another coup for MLS after New York City FC signed David Villa earlier this month. Other clubs are also expected to pursue high-profile transfer targets during the summer transfer window as players contemplate potential moves to the United States after the World Cup.
Orlando City will meet Sao Paulo in a friendly in Kissimmee, Fla. on Friday.
