Wydad Athletic Club in talks over Thembinkosi Lorch return from Al Ittihad SC

Talks have begun over a possible return for Thembinkosi Lorch to Wydad Athletic Club, with the South African forward reportedly keen on a move back to the Moroccan club.

Reports from Morocco indicate that Lorch could be set to return to the country less than a year after leaving Wydad. Moroccan outlet Le Matin reports that negotiations are now taking place between Wydad and Lorch’s current club, Al Ittihad SC.

Lorch joined the Libyan side in January this year after departing Wydad Athletic Club. He is reportedly under contract with Al Ittihad until 2028, but that long-term agreement may not prevent discussions over a return to Morocco.

According to the report, Lorch has already made his interest in rejoining the Moroccan giants known. Wydad are understood to be considering the possibility, although no agreement has yet been announced between the clubs.

The financial terms of Lorch’s move to Al Ittihad could make any potential return a significant transaction. The Libyan club reportedly paid €1.3 million, approximately R24.6 million, to secure his services earlier this year.

The overall value of the deal was reported to be €3.55 million, approximately R67.2 million, once Lorch’s salary for the full duration of the contract was included.

Lorch’s possible return also comes amid a separate issue involving his previous transfer to Wydad. It was recently reported that the matter could be prioritised by the club’s incumbent president when his tenure officially begins.

The exact nature of that issue has not been made public. However, reports suggest that it relates to Lorch’s original move from South African club Mamelodi Sundowns to Wydad Athletic Club.

Lorch became a notable figure during his time in South African football before moving abroad, and his return to Wydad would represent an early change of direction after his January transfer to Al Ittihad.

For now, the negotiations remain at an initial stage, with Lorch’s contract in Libya and the reported value of his move likely to be central to any agreement. Neither the completion of a deal nor a formal return has been confirmed.

Should the discussions progress, Lorch could once again find himself at Wydad, where the club is also dealing with the unresolved matter connected to his first transfer from Mamelodi Sundowns.

By Lukhanyo Mtuta