After the collapse of his potential transfer to Kaizer Chiefs due to a deadlock with Mamelodi Sundowns over Thembinkosi Lorch, a Saudi Arabian club has expressed interest in the talented attacker.
Lorch is one of five players Sundowns was looking to send off for a loan during the January transfer window.
The former Orlando Pirates ace was signed by former Downs coach Rulani Mokwena, who left the club just before the start of the season. Following Mokwena’s departure to Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca, Lorch finds himself left in the cold.
Wanted by Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi, the South African international was hoping to cross the floor to Naturena. However, Amakhosi could not meet Sundowns’ valuation of the player and the deal collapsed.
Reports are that The Brazilians have since offered the 31-year-old to Wydad Casablanca on loan.
SAUDI CLUB EAGER TO SIGN MAMELODI SUNDOWNS’ LORCH
Just a day before the Saudi transfer window closes, Jeddah SC, who play in the First Division League, have expressed interest in signing the attacker. The winter transfer in Saudi runs from January 1 to January 30, 2025.
Jeddah, currently 11th in the 18-team table, is looking to strengthen its squad ahead of the 2024/25 season’s second round. The club is interested in securing an initial five-month loan agreement with an option to acquire the player permanently.
They are 13 points behind log leader Al Hazem, albeit with two games in hand. Jeddah needs to finish in the top six to go to the promotional playoffs. A top-two finish would earn them automatic promotion.
The club is looking to strengthen its squad so that it can compete intensely in the second half of the season. For Lorch’s signature, they face competition from Wydad, whose coach, Mokwena, is close to the star player.
The Morocco transfer window closes on Friday, giving the Casablanca giants a bit more time to conclude a deal. With Wydad also linked to Young Africans duo of Clement Mzize and Stephane Aziz Ki, the challenge could be a foreign spot.
The club has two foreign spots available. So far this season, Lorch has made two starts and five substitute appearances, scoring one goal and providing one assist.
RELATED STORY: Riveiro’s heartfelt comments about Thembinkosi Lorch’s situation
