Thembinkosi Lorch seals record-breaking R24m transfer to Al-Ittihad

Thembinkosi Lorch’s stellar form at Wydad Casablanca, the Moroccan Premier League pace-setters, has earned him a record-breaking transfer to Libyan giants Al-Ittihad SC.

According to reports from Moroccan website Le Site Info and other outlets, Lorch’s high-profile move from Wydad Casablanca to Al-Ittihad is for a fee of $1.5 million (about R24m). Lorch has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal with the Tripoli-based club.

The 32-year-old has emerged as a crucial asset for Wydad, the current undefeated leaders of Botola 1. The Casablanca-based club recently received two formal offers for his services, with the final $1.5 million fee marking a record transaction for Al-Ittihad, who are also undefeated in their domestic league.

Last year, Lorch showcased his talent for Wydad during the Fifa Club World Cup in the US, notably scoring in a 4-1 defeat against Italian giants Juventus.

This season, Lorch has maintained his impressive form, contributing five goals and four assists across 11 matches in all competitions. His performances led to calls for his inclusion in Hugo Broos’ Bafana Bafana squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco.

Al-Ittihad considered it a red-letter day when they formally confirmed the signing of the former Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns playmaker.

"The South African magician extends his influence wherever he travels; while he may change locations, the colours remain constant," the club’s official Instagram page noted, referencing the fact that both teams wear red jerseys.

Following the announcement, the club added that Lorch expressed great happiness and enthusiasm to join the oldest club in Libya. He is said to be looking forward to making a strong impact and bringing joy to the fans.

Last January, Lorch fell out of favour at Sundowns and moved to Wydad to reunite with head coach Rulani Mokwena, who had also previously coached him at Pirates.

Wydad have announced that Lorch will feature in two more matches before heading to Libya.

"Lorch’s move was in his interest and also in ours," a club statement explained.

"He wanted a new challenge, and while it wasn’t an easy situation at first, we worked on a replacement before approving his exit. The signing of Moisés Paniagua made the decision easier. Lorch will still play two more matches with us, and we wish him success at his new club."