Ex-Pirates star Thembinkosi Lorch could partner Cristiano Ronaldo if Wydad pull off shock deal

Global football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo could soon find himself playing alongside former Orlando Pirates star Thembinkosi Lorch if speculation about his future is to be believed.

According to reports, Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca – who recently parted ways with ex-Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulano Mokwena – are interested in securing the deal for the Portuguese star, whose contract with Saudi Pro League side Al-Nasser is due to expire.

The Moroccans recently concluded the signing of former Manchester United midfielder Sofyan Amrabat.

When asked if the club was also in the race to sign Ronaldo, Amrabat said: "The president is very ambitious and is still working with some very big names. It is true that Cristiano is one of them."

The club will be hoping to conclude the deal for Ronaldo before the FIFA Club World Cup kicks off in the United States in under three weeks.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino set tongues wagging last week when he appeared on IShowSpeed’s YouTube channel and opened the door on Ronaldo featuring at the Club World Cup.

“Yes, Cristiano Ronaldo could play in the Club World Cup. Negotiations are ongoing with some clubs, so if a club is watching this and interested in signing Ronaldo for the Club World Cup… who knows, who knows," the FIFA boss said when speaking to the streamer.

Last week, FIFA introduced an additional transfer window to allow clubs participating in the tournament to get their business done before the competition gets underway. Clubs will have between June 1 and 10 to get this done.

Should Ronaldo complete the move, he could play alongside former Sundowns stars Lorch and Cassius Mailula, who were brought to the club by Mokwena.

IOL Sport