Thembinkosi Lorch signs his big return to Wydad Casablanca

On the African continent, few transfers generate such fervor and passion. Thembinkosi Lorch, a prominent figure in South African football and the hero of a remarkable stint in Casablanca, is preparing to return to Wydad Athletic Club.

25′ GOAL!
Lorch with a stunning chip! @WACofficiel pull one back, it’s 2–1 and game on! 🔥

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According to our sources, the deal is almost complete: only a few minor details remain to be resolved before a signing is expected within the next 48 hours.

This return is a significant milestone. Lorch is not just a reinforcement for the Reds: he embodies the connection between the talents of the South and the fervor of the North. His brilliant performances during his loan spell in the second half of the 2024-2025 season—notably against Manchester City and Juventus at the Club World Cup—resonated far beyond Morocco, reinforcing his reputation on the international stage.

Under pressure from increasingly impatient fans, President Hicham Aït Menna personally intervened to re-establish contact with the player, giving a decisive boost to previously stalled negotiations.

According to the same sources, the competition was nonetheless real: Kaizer Chiefs in South Africa, FC Seoul in South Korea, and Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia were all in the running. However, according to the same sources, Lorch has made his return to Casablanca a top priority.

Proving that Wydad wants to make a statement, the club posted a clear message on Instagram—”He is back”—while awaiting the official announcement. Barring any unexpected developments, Lorch’s arrival will put an end to one of the most exciting dramas of this summer transfer window and offer the African public a new chapter in the story of a player who embodies the link between two major footballing powerhouses on the continent.

EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is translated from the original written in French by Omar Chraibi for Pan-Africa Football.