Wydad Athletic Club could be on the verge of a significant winter transfer decision as negotiations over South African winger Thembinkosi Lorch reach an advanced stage.
A lucrative proposal from Libyan club Al Ittihad has intensified talks and placed Lorch’s short but impactful spell in Casablanca under scrutiny at a delicate point in the season.
The Libyan champions have tabled a substantial offer after closely assessing Lorch’s performances since his arrival. Club sources indicate that Al Ittihad’s technical staff were impressed by the winger’s attacking output, movement between the lines, and ability to influence matches in decisive moments. That assessment has translated into a formal bid aimed at securing his services on a permanent basis.
According to reports, discussions between the two clubs have progressed significantly, with the transfer fee valued at approximately $1.3 million. Beyond the agreement in principle between the clubs, Al Ittihad have also made headway on personal terms, presenting Lorch with an attractive long-term contract that includes an annual salary in the region of $500,000. The scale of the proposal has given fresh urgency to the talks and could prompt a swift resolution before the window closes.
On the pitch, Lorch has wasted little time asserting his value since joining Wydad for the 2025–2026 campaign. He has quickly become one of the team’s most reliable attacking outlets, offering pace, creativity, and end product. His contribution has been evident across competitions, where he has consistently delivered in key moments and justified the confidence placed in him by the technical staff.
In total, Lorch has featured in 11 matches in all competitions during the first half of the season, registering five goals and four assists. Those numbers underline not only his efficiency in the final third but also his rapid adaptation to Wydad’s tactical demands and competitive environment.
For Wydad’s management, the decision carries both sporting and strategic weight. While Lorch’s form has strengthened the team’s attacking options, the financial return from the proposed deal could provide room to maneuver elsewhere in the squad during the ongoing window.
Should the transfer be completed, Lorch would follow Burkinabé midfielder Stephane Aziz Ki in making the move from Wydad to Al Ittihad, further highlighting the growing transfer link between the two clubs this winter.
