Al Ittihad set $500,000 asking price for Thembinkosi Lorch after rejecting bid

Al Ittihad have rejected a reported $350,000 (approximately R5.6m) offer from Mas Fes for Thembinkosi Lorch, with the Libyan club valuing the South African forward at $500,000 (about R7.9m).

Lorch’s future at Al Ittihad remains uncertain, amid reports that he could leave Libya for a move elsewhere. The latest development suggests the club are not prepared to sanction his departure for a fee below their valuation.

According to Moroccan publication InfoSports, Mas Fes submitted the bid for Lorch, but Al Ittihad turned it down. The report says the club have made their position clear by setting a $500,000 price tag, meaning any future offer below that figure is expected to be rejected.

The interest from Mas Fes comes as Lorch continues to be linked with a return to Morocco. He was previously associated with Wydad Club Athletic, the Moroccan side for whom he formerly played.

It had been indicated that Lorch was interested in rejoining Wydad Club Athletic. However, discussions between the player and the club eventually stalled, leaving the possibility of a return to Morocco uncertain.

That route has not been completely closed, however, with reigning Botola Pro 1 champions Mas Fes reportedly entering the race for the former Orlando Pirates player. Mas Fes have recently added two South Africans to their squad, with Tshegofatso Mabasa and Devin Titus joining the club.

The proposed move would therefore see Lorch remain in Morocco should the clubs reach an agreement, although Mas Fes would need to improve their offer to meet Al Ittihad’s reported valuation.

Lorch’s uncertainty comes during a period of significant change at Al Ittihad. Several prominent figures have recently left the club, including former head coach Rulani Mokwena.

Burkinabe winger Stephane Aziz Ki has also departed Al Ittihad and has since returned to Young Africans SC.

Those exits have added to the uncertainty surrounding the club, while Lorch’s next move remains dependent on whether a team is willing to meet the asking price set by Al Ittihad.

For now, the reported $350,000 proposal from Mas Fes has not been enough to secure the transfer. Al Ittihad’s $500,000 valuation provides the latest indication of the terms required for Lorch to leave Libya.

By Lukhanyo Mtuta

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