Israeli striker Sayed Abu Farkhi was officially unveiled Tuesday as the newest player for Major League Soccer's Colorado Rapids, completing his move from Maccabi Tel Aviv. Abu Farkhi signed a four-year contract with the American soccer club, and the Maccabi will receive $5.4 million for the transfer.
Abu Farkhi will initially earn $450,000 per season, the maximum permitted in MLS for players under the age of 22, and is expected to receive a salary increase after two years. As part of the deal, the striker, who held a clause entitling him to 17.5% of the transfer fee, gave up about $500,000 as a condition of his release.
Sayed Abu Farkhi signed with MLS' Colorado Rapid
(Photo: Colorado Rapids website)
Colorado Rapids coach Matt Wells welcomed the signing: “We’re very happy to bring Sayed to the club. Despite his young age, he has already competed at very high levels and gained experience in big games and important moments. His profile as a player is exactly what we are looking for in our attacking players. He fits exactly the model of players we want to sign — young and hungry players who want to achieve big things in soccer. He is a player with high ambitions who is on an upward trajectory in his career. I’m very excited to see him become one of the fans’ favorites.”
The 20-year-old striker leaves Maccabi Tel Aviv after an excellent start to the season, during which he scored five goals in eight appearances.
Overall, Abu Farkhi ends his stint at Maccabi Tel Aviv with 16 goals in 54 appearances. Last season, he scored 11 times in 42 matches, and during his time with the senior team he helped the club win three trophies: the State Cup in 2025/26 and two Israeli Super Cups, in 2024/25 and 2026/27.
Maccabi Tel Aviv said after the transfer was completed: “Maccabi Tel Aviv thanks Sayed Abu Farkhi for his dedication, professionalism and contribution throughout his years in yellow and blue. Thank you, Sayed, for everything you did at Maccabi, and good luck in the next chapter.”
Abu Farkhi will become the eighth Israeli soccer player in the MLS, joining Tai Baribo, Liel Abada, Idan Toklomati, Dor Turgeman, Ilay Feingold, Ran Binyamin and Or Blorian.