Maccabi Tel Aviv Striker Sayed Abu Freih Travels to Switzerland Despite Colorado Rapids Transfer Deal

Sayed Abu Freih, striker for Maccabi Tel Aviv, will travel with the team to Switzerland today ahead of their Conference League playoff match against FC Lugano. This comes despite his transfer to Colorado Rapids being agreed in principle and all paperwork approved by MLS management. Abu Freih played in the Toto Cup semifinal against Maccabi Netanya on Sunday, contributing to the team's goal and helping them reach the final.

Although the transfer is imminent, Abu Freih remains with Maccabi Tel Aviv, training as usual and expected to be available for coach Kenny Miller in the important European match scheduled for 21:30. He is not expected to start, similar to his role in last week's game against CSKA Sofia in Bulgaria, but will likely come off the bench, with striker Astrit Sulejmani starting upfront.

Following the match in Switzerland, Abu Freih is expected to proceed to the United States for medical tests, contract signing, and to finalize his move to Colorado Rapids. Maccabi Tel Aviv will receive approximately $6 million for the transfer, with an additional $1 million in bonuses, and will retain 20 percent of any future sale of the player. The club highly values Abu Freih's commitment to remain with the team until the last moment despite his near-completed move to the MLS side.