Colorado Rapids acquire Israeli forward Sayed Abu Farkhi | OneFootball

By Jonathan Sigal

TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Signing

The Colorado Rapids have acquired forward Sayed Abu Farkhi from Israeli Premier League side Maccabi Tel Aviv, the club announced Tuesday.

The 20-year-old Israeli international is signed through the 2029-30 MLS season with an option for 2030-31 and will occupy a U22 Initiative roster spot. He arrives for a reported $6 million fee. 

Abu Farkhi tallied 15g/3a in 52 games with Maccabi Tel Aviv. He's earned one cap with Israel, debuting last June in a friendly vs. Albania.

"Sayed is a player we are incredibly excited to bring into our current group. He’s an exceptional player with a winning mentality," said Rapids president Pádraig Smith. "His goal-scoring prowess, paired with his outstanding work rate against the ball, is something that instantly drew us in.

"Sayed was a player in high demand across a number of clubs, so we’re delighted he has chosen the Rapids. He fits what we’re building here and will be a key piece for us going forward. We are thrilled to welcome him to Colorado."

Abu Farkhi is Colorado's second summer signing after French midfielder Youssef Maziz joined in late July. 

"We are delighted to bring Sayed to the club," said head coach Matt Wells. "At a young age he has already competed at a very high level and has experience of playing in big environments. His player profile is exactly what we look for within our attackers; he is constantly pressing the opponent, can link the play technically and attacks the box with aggression.

"He fits the model of the type of players we want to sign: young and hungry to achieve big things in the game. He is a player who has high ambitions and is on the way up in his career. I’m very excited to watch him become a fan favorite."

Colorado are seventh in the Western Conference with 31 points. They're in their first season under Wells, who previously was an assistant at English Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur.

READ MORE: MLS Transfer Tracker