Pirates reject R30m offer for Lorch?
Thembinkosi Lorch is hot property, and could follow Percy Tau into Europe. The Orlando Pirates star has attracted interest from no less than four clubs abroad, though indications are that the Soweto giants are looking to cash-in on a big-money transfer fee.
It was initially revealed that Belgian club Royale Union Saint-Gilloise had made enquiries into the player’s availability. At the time, it was reported that RUSG, and any other interested club, would need to make an offer upwards of R20 million for Pirates to consider selling the 2018/19 PSL’s Footballer of the Season and Absa Premiership Players’ Player of the Season
That was only the start as interest in the 26-year-old escalated their head coach in 2016 and helped them win the 2017 CONCACAF U20 Championship before taking on the job at Revolution, and has plenty of international experience having made over 80 appearances for the USA during his career.
The ex-goalkeeper has his UEFA Pro license – the highest qualification available in Europe – and had help from the likes of Mauricio Pochettino towards the end of his playing days as he prepared for life as a coach. rapidly. It is believed that his performance against Egypt at the recent Africa Cup of Nations payed a big part in the interest as Bafana Bafana eliminated the hosts.
Following the interest from RUSG, last week the Siya crew broke the news that Club Brugge and two French Ligue 1 outfits - Dijon Football Côte d’Or and Toulouse FC - had made enquiries into Lorch’s availability. Brugge is the same team that Tau signed a season-long loan with, from deal Brighton & Hove Albion.
Siya sources have now indicated that the ‘asking price’ has been increased dramatically, with indications that the high demand in the player has pushed the price up. It is believed that the Buccaneers turned down a R30 million offer from Club Brugge, with the club wanting a larger fee.
“Pirates have rejected an offer from Club Brugge after the Belgian club showed seriousness in their interest in Thembinkosi Lorch. It is understood that Pirates want in the region of 1 800 000 (±R30 million) for the star player,” said the source.
“At 26, and with his current form, it would be a great time for the boy to leave for overseas, if he was to get his current club’s blessings before the close of the transfer window at the end of the month,” the source added.
Lorch’s contract with the Buccaneers will expire in June of 2020, according to the latest information made available to the Siya crew. is understood that Ferreira has been given a mandate by the Wits board to do everything in his power to hold on to the player, who is in his fifth year at the club.
With Pirates’ defensive frailties evident in their four games so far this season, they are expected to test the Clever Boys’ resolve before the end of the month.