FC Lorient are reportedly interested in signing Togolese international Karim Dermane as they look to bolster their midfield ahead of the upcoming Ligue 1 season.
The 20-year-old, currently under contract with Belgian second-division side Lommel SK, has been attracting increasing attention following a standout campaign on loan at KV Kortrijk in the Jupiler Pro League.
According to Ouest-France, Lorient are among the clubs monitoring the versatile midfielder, who has impressed with his composure, technical ability, and adaptability in central roles.
Dermane began his footballing journey at Planète Foot Academy in Lomé before continuing his development in Ghana and later the Netherlands, where he featured for Feyenoord’s U21 side.
In 2023, he signed with Lommel SK, a club affiliated with the City Football Group, and quickly established himself as a key figure in the team’s midfield.
His performances in the Belgian second tier earned him a loan to KV Kortrijk, where he tested himself at the highest level of Belgian football. Over the course of 15 matches, Dermane contributed one goal and one assist, but it was his consistent presence, energy, and maturity on the pitch that caught the eye of several European scouts.
Since joining Lommel, Dermane has made 49 appearances across all competitions, scoring four goals and providing six assists. His ability to operate as a deep-lying playmaker, a box-to-box engine, or in a more advanced creative role gives potential suitors a range of tactical options. Lorient are believed to view him as a natural fit for their evolving system, which relies on dynamic midfielders capable of linking defence and attack.
Internationally, Dermane has already earned 21 caps for Togo since making his debut in 2022. With three international goals to his name, the young midfielder has become a regular presence in the national setup and is considered one of the country’s brightest prospects.
Although no formal bid has been submitted by FC Lorient, interest from the French top flight signals a potential step up for the player. Discussions are thought to be ongoing behind the scenes, with multiple clubs also showing preliminary interest as the summer transfer window progresses.
Lorient’s pursuit of Dermane reflects their continued focus on identifying emerging talent capable of making an impact at Ligue 1 level. With the club aiming to strengthen its squad depth and midfield creativity, Dermane’s mix of international experience, youth, and technical skill positions him as an attractive target.
Whether a move to Brittany materialises in the coming weeks remains to be seen. However, with growing interest and a proven record of adapting quickly to new challenges, a transfer to Ligue 1 could be the next logical step in Karim Dermane’s promising career.
For now, the midfielder remains contracted to Lommel SK, but the momentum behind a potential departure continues to build.
