Ilay Feingold is already acclimating himself to the rich sports culture of New England.
Even before his signing with the New England Revolution was officially announced Tuesday, the 20-year-old defender posted a picture from Monday’s Celtics game on his Instagram story.
The Israeli and Romanian dual national was not afraid to hint at the coming announcement from his seat in the lower bowl at TD Garden.
Feingold’s official acquisition comes two weeks after Revolution Coach Caleb Porter hinted at it in a press conference, but said the club “wanted to keep our cards close to the chest until we have our negotiation done.”
Coming over from Israeli club Maccabi Haifa, Feingold signed a U22 initiative contract with the Revolution for three years that includes a club option for 2028.
Although New England did not disclose the transfer fee paid for Feingold, Tom Bogert reported that it’s around $2.5 million.
“We are excited to welcome Ilay Feingold to the New England Revolution” Revolution Sporting Director Curt Onalfo said in statement. “Ilay is a talented, well-rounded young defender who is technically gifted, tactically sound, and tough. With his top-flight domestic and national team experience, we expect Ilay to assimilate well to MLS.”
Feingold, who primarily plays right back, has spent the entirety of his senior career as a member of Maccabi Haifa. He made his senior team debut with the club in 2023 after three years in their academy.
Feingold also gained academy experience for one year with Hapoel Ra’anana and eight years with Maccabi Netanya in his hometown of Netanya, Israel.
During his time at the senior level, Feingold has made 49 total appearances for Haifa in both the domestic Israeli Premier League and continental competitions.
In 2023-24, Feingold helped his club finish in second place domestically, and he appeared in two Europa League matches.
On the international stage, Feingold holds both Israeli and Romanian citizenship but has been committed to playing for his home nation of Israel.
Starting at the U16 level, Feingold has appeared in matches at nearly every stage of Israel’s national team. In October 2024, the defender made his senior team debut for Israel, after competing for the Olympic roster over the summer.
With the Revolution, Feingold appears to be the final piece of Onalfo and Porter’s offseason jigsaw puzzle.
He is the 13th addition to the club this offseason and likely the last. At the senior level, Feingold will be a valuable depth piece behind 29-year-old Brandon Bye who is effective when healthy but missed significant time over the last two years due to an ACL tear.
“Ilay is a true competitor and has proven from a young age he is ripe for success,” Porter said in a statement. “He is an athletically gifted defender who has shown an ability to defend 1-v-1, while also providing effective buildup play and service in the attacking third.
“These characteristics fit our right-back profile and have led to him earning top-flight and senior international experience at just 20 years old. I am eager to work with Ilay and I am excited to see his continued development here in New England.”
