The New York Red Bulls may not have been able to sign Kaká this season, but that does not mean they won’t settle for the next best thing in the Brazilian star’s family.
According to the New York Post, Kaká's brother, Rodrigo Izecson dos Santos Leite (above, right, in action for AC Milan), is currently on trial with the Red Bulls. Also known as Digão in traditional Brazilian fashion, the 6-foot-4 center back is looking to sign with New York after being released by AC Milan in 2011.
The 27-year-old Digão reportedly joined the club for his first training session late last week, but his fitness level will be a big factor in determining whether New York offer him a contract or not.
“He’s done quite well with us,” Backe told the Post. “When you pick up players during this transfer window, offseason, it’s about fitness. We don’t have that much time, seven games to go and then the playoff, so that’s why we made the test today, and we’ll probably get the answer later today.
“But he’s done well. A solid center back, good in the air of course, because of his height, composed, good to build up.”
The Red Bulls also brought in 27-year-old Nicki Paterson on trial from USL Pro club Charleston Battery, according to the Post. Paterson, a Scottish midfielder, is coming off a championship season with Charleston and he could soon join a Red Bulls team looking for some silverware of their own.
The deadline to sign either player is Friday, but Backe admitted that there is little chance that both can be signed.
“I don’t think we have space for that," Backe told the Post. “I think we have space for one more, so we have to make a decision later tonight.”
Franco Panizo covers the New York Red Bulls for MLSsoccer.com. He can be reached at Franco8813@gmail.com.
