Thembinkosi Lorch: Libyan club names price for Kaizer Chiefs-linked forward

South African clubs interested in signing Thembikosi Lorch will have to fork out nearly R8 million to land the former Orlando Pirates forward.

Lorch is angling for a move away from Libyan club Al-Ittihad, just over six months since signing a lucrative contract, but the North African side is not ready to lose him on the cheap.

Al-Ittihad has reportedly turned down a $350,000 (approximately R5.6 million) offer from Moroccan side Mas Fes for Lorch.

Thembinkosi Lorch’s future uncertain

Speculation surrounding Lorch’s future has been mounting, with reports suggesting the player is keen on a move away from Libya.

This follows a recent exodus of key figures from Al-Ittihad, including former head coach Rulani Mokwena, now boss of Egyptian side Pyramids FC, and winger Stephane Aziz Ki, who has since rejoined Young Africans SC.

Initially, Lorch was linked with a potential return to his former club, Wydad Club Athletic. While the player was said to be interested in rejoining the Moroccan giants, discussions ultimately stalled.

How much is the Libyan club demanding?

However, interest from Morocco persisted, with reigning Botola Pro 1 champions Mas Fes entering the race for his signature. The club has recently bolstered its squad with South African talent, signing both Tshegofatso Mabasa and Devin Titus.

According to KickOff, Mas Fes’s formal bid for Lorch was deemed insufficient. The report indicates that Al-Ittihad has set a firm asking price of $500,000 (around R7.9 million) for the playmaker and will not entertain any offers below that valuation.

That is also a signal to Premier Soccer League clubs who could be keen to land Lorch, with Kaizer Chiefs linked with interest in the experienced forward, who has now played for Mamelodi Sundowns, Wydad and Al-Ittihad in the last one-and-a-half years.