Colorado Rapids have opened talks for Sayed Abu Farhi, but the Maccabi Tel Aviv forward's move to MLS is far from done. ONE reported on Monday that the American club are hoping to force a breakthrough during the day, with an offer of roughly $6 million already on the table.
Maccabi's board has so far rejected that opening bid and is continuing to push for a higher fee, according to the report, unwilling to sanction the sale of one of the more promising products of its youth system without a fight over the price.
Abu Farhi himself has yet to agree personal terms with the Rapids, ONE added. There is a further complication too: 17.5 percent of the player's economic rights are held by his family, a stake that will also need to be settled before any transfer can be finalized.
Time is not unlimited. Should the deal not come together by Wednesday, the report said, Abu Farhi will instead travel with Maccabi Tel Aviv's squad for their Europa League qualifying assignment against CSKA Sofia rather than push ahead with a move.
Maccabi reached this stage of the competition in emphatic fashion, beating Moldova's Sheriff Tiraspol 6-0 on aggregate in the previous round. The first leg against CSKA Sofia was played in Batumi, Georgia, on August 6, with Israeli clubs currently barred from hosting European fixtures at home under UEFA's restrictions.
Colorado's aggression in the market is underpinned by fresh funds elsewhere. The Rapids recently agreed to sell teenage defender Lucas Herrington to Hull City in a deal that could be worth up to $23 million with add-ons — among the largest sales in MLS history — giving the club's front office room to spend on reinforcements this summer.
Abu Farhi, 20, has established himself this season as a regular in Maccabi Tel Aviv's attack, scoring seven goals and adding three assists in Ligat ha'Al. Primarily a central striker who can also play off the left, he has represented Israel at U17, U19 and U21 level.
For now, nothing is signed. Monday's deadline for a breakthrough belongs to Colorado, not Maccabi — and the Israeli club could yet send Abu Farhi to Sofia with the rest of the squad while talks continue in parallel.
