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Dermane Karim swaps Lommel for Troyes in Ligue 1 push
Togolese midfielder Dermane Karim completes a transfer from Lommel United to Estac Troyes on a free, adding Ligue 1 experience to a rebuilding Troyes side.
Dermane Karim has completed his move from Belgian side Lommel United to French outfit Estac Troyes, sealing the transfer on 20 August 2026. The 22-year-old Togolese midfielder arrives at the Stade de l'Aube with extensive Ligue 1 experience, having spent the bulk of the 2025 season on loan at Lorient.
At a glance
- Age & Position: 22-year-old midfielder, squad number 6
- Deal details: Permanent transfer, 20 August 2026, undisclosed fee
- Clubs: Lommel United (Belgium) to Estac Troyes (France)
Career context
Karim's route to Troyes has been anything but linear. He began his senior journey in Belgium with Kortrijk, before moving to Lommel United in January 2025. Within months, he was shipped out on loan to Lorient in August 2025, where he would spend the majority of the 2025 campaign plying his trade in Ligue 1. His loan spell was split — he returned to Lommel briefly in June 2026 before the parent club offloaded him permanently to Troyes just two months later. The whirlwind nature of his movements underscores a player still searching for a long-term home, yet one who has already tasted top-flight football in France.
During his time at Lorient, Karim made 30 league appearances, starting 15 and coming on as a substitute in 16 others. His 1,363 minutes on the pitch in Ligue 1 represent the bulk of his senior experience, and his performances there likely caught the eye of Troyes' recruitment team.
How he fits at his new club
Troyes, founded in 1986 and based in the city of Troyes, play their home football at the Stade de l'Aube, a venue with a capacity of 21,877. The club has historically valued technical midfielders who can bridge the gap between defence and attack, and Karim's profile aligns with that philosophy.
Standing at a listed position of midfielder with the number 6 jersey, Karim projects as a deep-lying playmaker or box-to-box option. His API-Football attributes paint a picture of a technically gifted operator: a technique rating of 96, a creation score of 52, and a duels metric of 88. These figures suggest a player comfortable on the ball, capable of progressing play through the middle third, and not afraid to engage physically despite his relatively slight frame (height and weight undisclosed).
His duels won percentage of 51% and dribble success rate of 55% indicate a player who wins roughly half of his individual battles — a solid return for a midfielder operating in the heart of the park. With 37 tackles and 16 interceptions recorded across his 2025 season, he also contributes defensively, making him a viable candidate for a double-pivot midfield role alongside a more defensively-minded partner.
In Ligue 1, Karim averaged a pass accuracy of 84% from 544 total passes, with 16 key passes delivered. These numbers suggest he can function as a reliable distributor, capable of switching play and finding runners beyond the lines — exactly the kind of versatility Troyes will need as they look to consolidate or push up the table.
Recent numbers
Apps
Goals
Assists
Minutes
Rating
Karim's 2025 season was statistically productive, particularly during his Ligue 1 spell with Lorient. Across all competitions, he accumulated 39 appearances, 2,095 minutes, two goals, and two assists, earning a season rating of 6.89.
His competition breakdown:
- Africa Cup of Nations Qualification (Togo): 6 apps, 537 mins, 0 goals, 0 assists, rating 7.35
- Coupe de France (Lorient): 3 apps, 195 mins, 1 goal, 0 assists, rating 7.53
- Ligue 1 (Lorient): 30 apps, 1,363 mins, 1 goal, 2 assists, rating 6.74
In Ligue 1 specifically, his underlying numbers are telling. He won 90 of 190 duels, drew 39 fouls while committing 21, and completed 20 of 42 attempted dribbles. His 25 tackles and 11 interceptions show a willingness to track back, while 16 key passes and 544 total passes at 84% accuracy demonstrate his creative output.
His standout moment came in the Coupe de France, where he scored once and earned a season-high individual rating of 7.53 — proof that he can rise to the occasion in high-stakes fixtures.
Key takeaways
Karim's arrival at Troyes represents a calculated gamble on a player with top-flight pedigree but limited stability. The following table compares his key metrics across his two primary 2025 stints:
| Metric | Ligue 1 (Lorient) | Coupe de France (Lorient) | AFCON Qualifiers (Togo) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appearances | 30 | 3 | 6 |
| Minutes | 1,363 | 195 | 537 |
| Goals | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Assists | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Rating | 6.74 | 7.53 | 7.35 |
| Pass Accuracy | 84% | 93% | — |
| Duels Won % | 47% | — | 69% |
- Karim brings Ligue 1 starting experience — 30 league appearances and over 1,300 minutes — which is invaluable for a Troyes side likely rebuilding or restructuring.
- His technical profile (technique 96, creation 52) suggests he can adapt to multiple midfield roles, from a deep distributor to a progressive box-to-box option.
- At just 22 years old, he has room to grow into the physical and tactical demands of regular Ligue 1 football, especially if Troyes offers him consistent game time.
- His disciplinary record is clean — zero red cards across 39 appearances, with only three yellows in Ligue 1 — indicating maturity beyond his years.
- The undisclosed fee suggests Troyes may have secured a low-risk asset who could either establish himself as a key midfielder or be moved on if necessary.
For Troyes, Karim represents a player who has already proven he can handle the pace and physicality of French top-flight football. Whether he can translate that into regular starts at the Stade de l'Aube remains to be seen, but his blend of technical ability, work rate, and experience makes him a compelling addition to their midfield options.
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Transfer confirmed: Dermane Karim, 22, midfielder, Lommel United → Estac Troyes, 20 August 2026. Fee undisclosed.