Kaká’s future at Real Madrid is in doubt again as new signing Asier Illarramendi will reportedly wear the Brazilian’s No.8 shirt when he arrives at the club.
The 31-year-old has long been linked with a move away from the Santiago Bernabeu, having failed to reproduce the form that saw him awarded the FIFA Ballon d’Or in 2007.
And although Kaká recently revealed he has had “positive talks” with new coach Carlo Ancelotti, who masterminded his rise to stardom at Milan, the veteran playmaker could be on his way out.
According to Marca, Illarramendi wore the same number shirt at Real Sociedad last season and is expected to don the jersey as Kaká is deemed to be surplus to requirements.
Kaká, who was given the No.8 shirt when he joined for €68.5 millian in 2009, has insisted that he remains under contract and wants to stay and fight for his place at Madrid.
However, with the likes of Xabi Alonso, Sami Khedira, Ángel di María and other new recruit Isco also ahead of him in the pecking order, he may struggle further for playing time next season.
And with the 2014 World Cup in Brazil less than one year away, he will need more first-team football to stand a chance of making Luiz Felipe Scolari’s 23-man squad.
São Paulo and Corinthians have previously voiced an interest in Kaká, while clubs in the USA are also keeping tabs on the situation.
