Thembinkosi Lorch Becomes Al-Ittihad's Most Expensive Signing in Big-Money Transfer

South African forward Thembinkosi Lorch has completed his move from Wydad Casablanca to Al-Ittihad, with reports now revealing a record-breaking transfer fee for the Libyan giants.

After just one season in Morocco, the former Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates attacker is set to join the Tripoli-based club.

The transfer has raised eyebrows, as Thembinkosi Lorch has been a standout performer for Wydad, contributing nine goals and assists in only 11 appearances across all competitions.

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According to Moroccan outlet LeSiteInfo, Al-Ittihad has agreed to pay Wydad Casablanca a fee of $1.5 million (approximately R24 million) to secure the player's services.

This figure would make Thembinkosi Lorch the most expensive signing in Al-Ittihad's history. The publication also reports that the 32-year-old is expected to sign a two-and-a-half-year contract with the reigning Libyan champions.

A source confirmed the advanced stage of the negotiations to One One, stating, "The three parties have agreed on all the terms of the contract, and Al-Ittihad Libyan Club is expected to officially announce the signing of Thembinkosi Lorch for two and a half seasons within the next few hours."

Meanwhile, Thembinkosi Lorch rose to prominence as a standout talent in the Premier Soccer League (PSL). After beginning his senior career with Maluti FET College, he moved to Orlando Pirates in 2015, where he solidified his reputation as one of the league's top players.

His most successful season came in 2018–19, when he was named the PSL Footballer of the Season and the Players' Player of the Season.

In early 2024, Thembinkosi Lorch made a high-profile move to Mamelodi Sundowns, winning the league title during his tenure there before seeking a new challenge in North Africa.

He initially joined Moroccan giants Wydad AC on loan in January 2025, a move that was made permanent later that year after he impressed at the FIFA Club World Cup.

He has now embarked on a new chapter in Libya, having officially signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with Al Ittihad SC. Internationally, Thembinkosi Lorch has represented the South African national team, Bafana Bafana, most notably scoring the winning goal against Egypt in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.