City & KV Kortrijk | Club Connections

The Bluebirds and Koninklijke Voetbalclub Kortrijk have enjoyed a number of shared on-field stars since Tan Sri Vincent Tan took over at the Belgian club in 2015.

We take a look at five players who have appeared for both the City and KVK.

Dimitrios Goutas

Long before Dimi was a Bluebird, he spent a loan spell in Belgium.

The Greece international starred during the 2016/17 season at Kortvijk, where he made 26 appearances in the Belgian Pro League. The centre-back had an exceptional season with Cardiff City after joining last summer on a two-year contract.

Goutas made 46 appearances, scoring four goals and being ever-present in the starting eleven. His reliability and contributions at both ends of the pitch were instrumental to City’s campaign.

Sheyi Ojo

Winger Ojo also spent last season on loan at KV Kortrijk, where he made 30 appearances, scoring one goal and providing one assist. 

Previously, Ojo made 77 appearances for Cardiff City across a one year loan spell and one year in the team after signing permanently, contributing six goals and seven assists. His breakaway winner away at Preston North End during the COVID season of 2020/21 was especially a wonderful effort.

During his time in Belgium, his experience and versatility were valuable to the team. Ojo left the Bluebirds in June 2024.

Idriss Saadi

During his time at the CCS in the 2015/16 stadium, injuries limited the striker’s game time to just two appearances for the Bluebirds.

In the following season, the forward was loaned out to Belgium where he had an impressive season scoring 16 goals in 37 appearances and made a significant impact during his loan spell.

While there was some excitement amongst the City support for Idriss' return to the capital, it was short lived. In 2017 pre-season, Idriss departed permanently for Strasbourg.

Neil Warnock seemingly had other plans - and we all know how that season went.

Ryotaro Tsunoda

Tsunoda, who signed for Cardiff City in January 2024, spent the remainder of the season on loan at de Kerels. During his nine appearances, the Japanese defender impressed with his solid defensive performances, playing a crucial role in helping the team avoid relegation in the Belgian Pro League.

Ryotaro is currently working hard in South Wales to get back from an injury that ended his campaign last term.

Isaak Davies

Spending last season on-loan in Belgium, Davies had an outstanding season at KV Kortrijk. The striker impressed with his goal-scoring prowess, netting 12 goals and was named player of the year. His performances were pivotal in Kortrijk’s campaign, showcasing his potential and making a strong case for his future prospects.

Boss Erol Bulut has stated that the 22-year-old will be “very active” for Cardiff City next season and Bluebirds fans will be hoping he can replicate his fine form.

Cardiff City face KV Kortrijk in their second pre-season game on Saturday 13th July at Cardiff International Sports Campus - 12pm KO! Tickets are available now!