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Colorado Rapids Sign Israeli Forward Sayed Abu Farkhi

The signing uses MLS's U22 Initiative to protect salary budget ahead of further reinvestment.

Overview

  • The Rapids announced Tuesday that they signed 20-year-old Sayed Abu Farkhi from Maccabi Tel Aviv for a reported $6 million and gave him a 4.5-season contract through 2029-30 with an option for 2030-31.
  • Club president Pádraig Smith and coach Matt Wells framed Abu Farkhi as a young, press-oriented attacker who fits the team’s model and will occupy a U22 Initiative roster slot to limit salary charge.
  • The transfer follows a busy window in which Colorado sold multiple players and freed funds and roster space, with outlets reporting prior sales that the club is using to reinvest in attacking talent.
  • Some fans and commentators question the size of the reported $6 million fee relative to Abu Farkhi’s limited senior minutes and one senior Israel cap, while other coverage highlights his goal totals and loan spells in Israel.
  • Coverage also notes personal and administrative context for the move, including Abu Farkhi’s Arab Israeli background, reported exemption from Israeli military service, and that he will require a P-1 visa and an international roster slot to join the Rapids.