Colorado Rapids Near Deal to Sign Maccabi Tel Aviv's Said Abu Farhi

Colorado Rapids are close to finalizing a transfer deal with Maccabi Tel Aviv for defender Said Abu Farhi, with negotiations expected to conclude within the next day. The MLS club has offered Maccabi Tel Aviv six million dollars for the player, reflecting their strong interest and urgency to complete the signing. Abu Farhi is anticipated to join Colorado Rapids mid-season and is expected to contribute professionally for at least two years.

Maccabi Tel Aviv is confident that Abu Farhi will be sold later to a European club for a significantly higher fee, and they are negotiating to retain a substantial percentage of any future transfer profits. Abu Farhi's salary structure under MLS rules will start at a maximum of $80,000 gross per month in his first season, increasing by $80,000 gross per year to a total of $880,000 gross in his second season and the same amount in the third. MLS regulations cap salaries for players under 22 at $800,000 gross per season, with incremental raises allowed in subsequent years, potentially reaching $960,000 gross per season.

Both Colorado Rapids and Maccabi Tel Aviv insiders believe the deal is highly likely to be completed soon, marking a significant step in Abu Farhi's career as he moves to the United States.