Thembinkosi Lorch is closing in on a return to Moroccan football after Maghreb de Fès reached a club-to-club agreement with Libyan giants Al-Ittihad SC for his transfer.
The 33-year-old South African playmaker only moved to Libya six months ago, but could now be set for another switch, with personal terms and a medical reportedly the remaining hurdles before the deal can be completed.
MAS Fès Reach Agreement With Al-Ittihad
Maghreb de Fès have stepped up their pursuit of Lorch after identifying the former Orlando Pirates star as one of their attacking targets for the new campaign.
According to iDiski Times, an agreement has now been reached between the Moroccan champions and Al-Ittihad over the transfer.
Attention now turns to negotiations between Lorch and MAS Fès over personal terms.
Salary Could Be Final Hurdle
One of the major issues still to be resolved is Lorch’s current financial package.
The South African reportedly earns around R1.2 million per month at Al-Ittihad after signing a lucrative contract with the Libyan club earlier this year.
MAS Fès will therefore need to reach an agreement with the player over his salary before the move can be finalised.
Lorch is reportedly open to returning to Morocco, where he previously enjoyed a successful spell with Wydad Casablanca.
Wydad Return Falls Through
A reunion with Wydad had previously emerged as a possibility.
However, negotiations reportedly failed to produce an agreement, with Wydad proposing a shorter contract on reduced terms.
A potential switch to Egyptian giants Pyramids FC also failed to materialise due to foreign-player quota restrictions, opening the door for MAS Fès to make their move.
Lorch and Mabasa Reunion on the Cards
Should the deal be completed, Lorch will reunite with former Orlando Pirates teammate Tshegofatso Mabasa.
Mabasa recently joined Maghreb de Fès on a free transfer and is preparing for his first campaign with the Moroccan champions.
The pair previously shared the pitch at Pirates and could now find themselves together again in North Africa.
MAS Fès are also closing in on Stellenbosch FC winger Devin Titus, potentially creating a growing South African contingent at the club.
For Lorch, the move would mark a quick return to Moroccan football and another major twist in his career just six months after leaving the country for Libya.