Thembinkosi Lorch could leave Al Ittihad as free agent after failed Mas Fes move

Former Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates forward Thembinkosi Lorch is expected to be available as a free agent in the next transfer window after his proposed move to Mas Fes fell through.

Lorch was unable to agree personal terms with the reigning Botola Pro champions during the window that recently closed. Mas Fes had also signed Tshegofatso Mabasa and Devin Titus.

The 33-year-old has been absent from Al Ittihad’s recent league squads under head coach Fouazi Benzarti, prompting suggestions that the player and the Libyan club are moving towards a mutual separation.

There has also been interest in Lorch from clubs in Egypt and Algeria, according to reports in Libya.

Lorch joined Al Ittihad from Wydad Athletic Club shortly before the appointment of Rulani Mokwena. The move came after a successful spell at the Moroccan club, where Lorch revived his career under Mokwena.

Mokwena and Al Ittihad later parted company after the club failed to qualify for the CAF Champions League. Mokwena subsequently took charge of ambitious Egyptian Premier League side Pyramids FC and has made an impressive start, winning his first 10 games in charge.

Lorch was subsequently linked with a return to Wydad, where he had enjoyed a notable revival under Mokwena. He became one of two South African players to score at the extended FIFA Club World Cup during that period.

However, Wydad never made an official offer for the former Orlando Pirates star, which left Mas Fes as a potential destination.

That move also failed to materialise after the two parties could not settle on personal terms. Lorch’s substantial salary package at Al Ittihad is understood to have been a significant factor in the negotiations.

His continued absence from Al Ittihad’s matchday squads, combined with the breakdown of the Mas Fes discussions, now leaves the experienced winger facing the prospect of entering the next transfer window without a club.