Maccabi Tel Aviv Striker Sayed Abu Faraheh Set to Join MLS Colorado Rapids for $6 Million

Maccabi Tel Aviv's young striker Sayed Abu Faraheh, 20, is on the verge of a major transfer to the Major League Soccer (MLS) club Colorado Rapids. The deal, reportedly worth $6 million upfront plus an additional $1 million in bonuses, also includes a clause granting Maccabi 25% of any future transfer fee. This transfer marks one of the largest exits in Israeli football history, surpassing last year's $5.5 million sale of Dor Turgeman. Only a few Israeli players such as Eran Zahavi and Manor Solomon have commanded higher fees directly from the Israeli Premier League.

Abu Faraheh, who developed through Maccabi's youth system and had loan spells at M.S. Kafr Qasim and Maccabi Bnei Reineh, broke out impressively in his first full season with Maccabi Tel Aviv's senior team. He started the 2026/27 season strongly, scoring four goals in four games, including braces against Hapoel Be'er Sheva and Sheriff Tiraspol in the Champions League qualifiers.

The transfer is pending formal approval from the MLS legal department due to the league's single-entity structure, which requires verification of Colorado Rapids' salary cap space and roster compliance. This procedural step is expected to be straightforward.

Abu Faraheh is expected to play his farewell match for Maccabi Tel Aviv in the Europa League third qualifying round second leg against CSKA Sofia on Thursday at 21:00, depending on coach Kenny Miller's tactical decisions. Colorado Rapids currently sit 11th in the MLS Western Conference with 22 points from 18 matches and view Abu Faraheh as a key addition to their attack.

Maccabi Tel Aviv may look to reinforce their striker position following Abu Faraheh's departure, with current forwards including Astr Sokler, Elad Madmon, and Younes Melida, the latter also expected to leave the club soon.