Thembinkosi Lorch's Surprise Wydad Exit: Al-Ittihad Transfer Rumors

South African winger Thembinkosi Lorch could leave Wydad Athletic Club in the January transfer window with a reported move to Libyan giants Al-Ittihad on the cards. Lorch, 32, has been one of the standout players for Wydad this season, but sources have confirmed that a money-spinning offer from the North African club has been tabled. With the club nearing a transfer for Bolivian wonderkid Moises Paniagua and luring veteran attackers Wissam Ben Yedder and Hakim Ziyech to the club, a move could materialise for Lorch. The former Orlando Pirates attacker has been outcast from the senior national team by head coach Hugo Broos, who suggested he would not fit into his plans, but with five goals and four assists this season in 11 games, he’s continued to earn rave reviews on the continent. It comes as no surprise to see interest from the Libyan giants who have already invested over R20-million in attacking talent this season with the signing of Togo international Yawo Agbagno from ASO Chlef and Kahraba from Al Ahly. The 18-time league champions also have Botswana captain Thatayaone Ditlhokwe on their books, having lured him from Kaizer Chiefs in a reported R15m transfer last year. Wydad have done business with the Tripoli-based club too, with Mauritania international midfielder Sidi Bouna Amar being the most recent transfer between the clubs. Story by Lorenz Kohler.