Colorado Rapids Finalizing Deal to Sign Israeli Center-Back Stav Lemkin

Colorado Rapids are set to strengthen their backline with the signing of Israel international Stav Lemkin from FC Shakhtar Donetsk, GIVEMESPORT reports. Sources confirm that the clubs have agreed to a $1.6 million transfer fee for the 22-year-old center-back.

Lemkin, who has three senior caps for Israel, spent last season on loan at Maccabi Tel Aviv. He is eligible to be signed under MLS’ U-22 initiative, though the Rapids are still evaluating how he will be designated on their roster based on upcoming summer window decisions.

Once finalized, Lemkin will become the fifth active Israeli international in MLS, joining Charlotte’s Liel Abada and Idan Gorno, New England’s Ilay Feingold, and Philadelphia’s Tai Baribo.

His arrival follows the club’s long-term signing of highly-rated Australian defender Lucas Herrington, who will officially join in January 2026 upon turning 18, also first reported by GIVEMESPORT.

Colorado currently sits in ninth place in the Western Conference with a 6-7-4 record (22 points in 17 games) and is coming off two straight losses. The addition of Lemkin aims to provide defensive stability as the club pushes to solidify a playoff position.