Prior to his signature for Cardiff on a free back in 2017, the name Loïc Damour would have meant nothing to any fan of the Welsh club.
The 27-year-old midfielder arrived from Bourg-en-Bresse in Ligue 2 with no one knowing who he was, yet that didn’t stop him from putting his head down and eventually playing a positive role in the Bluebirds’ promotion to the Premier League.
Since reaching the top-tier, however, his game time has considerably decreased, playing just 21 minutes of football in the league, spread over two sub appearances, as well as a full game in the Carabao Cup.
While this was to be expected, since the club recruited players like Victor Camarasa and Harry Arter to bolster their midfielder, it still doesn’t mean the former France U20 international is delighted with the situation.
Speaking to Foot Mercato over the weekend, he said: “Choices were made. I was never going to leave as I have two years left on my contract. It’s many players’ dream to play in the Premier League, even more so for me because of my career. People asked about me, but I was never going to leave on loan for the Championship. I knew it would be hard, that there would be competition.
“I wasn’t a starter, but in my head, I told myself that I wouldn’t leave before at least trying. I’m giving everything until December, and if my situation doesn’t get better, I might have to start thinking. At 27, I need to play. Six months like this, it’s alright. You don’t leave without trying, but in December we’ll sit down and assess the situation.”
With Cardiff out of the Carabao Cup after a 3-1 loss to Norwich, Damour only really has the FA Cup to look forward to if things keep going the way they have.
Either that, or a handful of injuries, but no player is sat there hoping his teammates drop likes flies so they can get a chance.
Maybe a six month loan elsewhere in January is exactly what the midfielder needs.
