Jean-Ricner Bellegarde: Wolves’ Underrated Weapon Ready to Step Up in 2025/26
It’s been two years since Jean-Ricner Bellegarde walked through the doors at Molineux. Signed in the summer of 2023 as a replacement for the departing Matheus Nunes, the French midfielder arrived with a strong reputation from Ligue 1 and hopes of quickly becoming a key player in the heart of Wolves’ midfield.
Now, as the 2025/26 season approaches, there’s a growing belief among Wolves supporters that Bellegarde could finally deliver on that early promise — and become one of the club’s most important figures under head coach Vítor Pereira.
After a shaky start to life in England, Bellegarde’s turnaround has been one of quiet resilience and growing influence. And now, with his confidence rising and his role in the squad expanding, this might just be the campaign that truly defines his Wolves career.
A Rocky Beginning: Early Struggles in the Premier League
Bellegarde’s debut season was far from the instant success fans had hoped for. Though he hit the ground running with a dazzling debut performance against Liverpool — where his fearless dribbling and close control stood out — consistency was hard to come by in the months that followed.
A combination of factors played into his struggles. Injuries disrupted his rhythm early on, preventing him from building chemistry with teammates and adapting to the pace and intensity of the Premier League. On top of that, Wolves were going through a period of tactical uncertainty, with the team struggling to find a cohesive identity in midfield following the departure of key players like Nunes and Ruben Neves.
Bellegarde often looked caught between roles. Deployed as a central midfielder one week and a wide player the next, he was never given the kind of run in the side that allows a player to fully adjust to a new league. It wasn’t a question of talent — the flashes were there — but rather of circumstance. He ended the 2023/24 season on the fringes of the squad, still somewhat of an enigma to Wolves fans.
The Pereira Effect: A Player Reborn
Everything changed with the arrival of Vítor Pereira in early 2024.
Pereira, known for his tactical fluidity and ability to get the best out of technically gifted midfielders, quickly identified Bellegarde as a player who could offer more — if used correctly. One of the first things the Portuguese manager did was simplify Bellegarde’s role. Instead of constantly shifting his position, Pereira gave him the freedom to operate in the inside channels as a number 8 or 10, often positioning him just behind the striker.
The results were immediate.
Bellegarde began to grow in confidence. His trademark ball-carrying — one of his biggest weapons at Strasbourg — returned in full force. He started to dictate transitions, burst past midfield lines, and link play with the forwards. For the first time in a Wolves shirt, he looked like the player the club believed they were getting when they paid £12.8 million for his services.
In the second half of the 2024/25 season, he became one of Wolves’ most consistent performers. And perhaps more importantly, he started to look like he was enjoying his football again — something that hadn’t always been the case during that frustrating first year.
A Clear Message: Bellegarde Wants to Be a Starter
Heading into the new season, Bellegarde has made it clear he wants to play a bigger role. Speaking in a recent interview, the 27-year-old was respectful, but honest, about his ambitions:
“For me, I need to play, but if the coach tells me he needs me to play this position, then that’s what I’ll do and that’s what I have been doing. I just need to help the team, and for me, when the team is playing very well and can win the games, then I’m happy. But the gaffer knows I can do more to help the striker… it depends on the plan of the match.”
It’s a statement that reveals a lot. On one hand, Bellegarde is demonstrating the kind of team-first mentality managers love. But on the other, there’s a strong undercurrent of ambition. He doesn’t just want to be a utility option. He believes he can be a difference-maker in the final third, particularly when allowed to push forward and operate in more attacking positions.
His comments also subtly point toward a desire to play in Matheus Cunha’s role — the advanced, mobile forward who links midfield and attack. When Cunha was injured last season, Bellegarde was one of the few players who stepped into that void with real effectiveness. He brought a similar energy and intent, and while not quite as clinical, he gave Wolves an attacking spark they were otherwise missing.
Squad Changes: A Real Window of Opportunity
Bellegarde’s path to regular minutes is also being shaped by Wolves’ current squad dynamics.
The loan of Tommy Doyle to Birmingham City has opened up space in central midfield. While Joao Gomes and André are still likely to be first-choice picks in deeper roles, Bellegarde offers a very different skill set — more attacking thrust, more dynamism, and the ability to carry the ball through traffic. He doesn’t compete directly with them for a starting spot, but rather complements them depending on the tactical setup.
Meanwhile, Wolves are actively looking for reinforcements in the number 10 and left-sided attacking roles. The recent arrival of Fer Lopez adds more depth, but there’s still uncertainty over how the team will line up. If Wolves fail to bring in another proven creative player before the window closes, Bellegarde is well-positioned to start the season in a key attacking midfield role.
Even if Wolves do make another signing, Bellegarde has done more than enough to warrant serious consideration. Given his form under Pereira and the tactical balance he brings, he could be one of the first names on the team sheet — especially in games where Wolves need more vertical threat and ball progression.
The Tactical Case for Bellegarde
One of the reasons Bellegarde is so valuable is his ability to influence the game in different ways. He’s not a traditional playmaker in the mold of a James Maddison or Bruno Fernandes, but he offers something arguably just as important: directness, energy, and unpredictability.
Here’s what Bellegarde brings to Wolves tactically:
Line-breaking runs: His ability to pick up the ball in deeper areas and drive forward is a nightmare for opposition midfielders.
Support in transition: Wolves are at their best when countering quickly. Bellegarde thrives in these moments, often acting as the link between a recovered ball and a scoring chance.
Tactical flexibility: He can play as a central midfielder, a 10, or even as an inverted wide player. This gives Pereira options to change shape mid-game.
Work rate: Despite his attacking instincts, Bellegarde is no slouch off the ball. He presses with intensity and contributes defensively.
When you look at Wolves’ squad, there aren’t many players who can do what Bellegarde does. That uniqueness could make him indispensable this season.
The Bigger Picture: A Career at a Crossroads
At 27, Bellegarde is entering his prime. These next two or three seasons could be the best of his career, and it’s clear he wants to spend them on the pitch — not on the bench.
There’s no question that he has the talent. What he needed was belief from his manager, tactical clarity, and a run of games. Under Pereira, he’s getting all three.
The 2025/26 campaign could be a defining one — not just for Bellegarde’s Wolves career, but for his broader ambitions. A strong season could even put him back in the conversation for a late-career international call-up with France or make him a target for bigger clubs if Wolves don’t progress.
But that’s getting ahead of things. For now, the focus is simple: build on last season, stay fit, and seize the opportunities that are likely to come.
Conclusion: Wolves’ Wildcard Could Become a Star
Jean-Ricner Bellegarde has taken the long road to get to this point. From Ligue 1 breakout to early Premier League frustration, and now to a player reborn under Vítor Pereira, his journey has been anything but straightforward.
But that’s what makes him such a compelling figure at Wolves right now. He’s battled through adversity, earned the trust of his manager, and is now showing the kind of form that could make him one of the most important players at the club this season.
Whether he ends up playing as a central midfielder, a number 10, or a creative outlet off the striker, one thing is clear: Jean-Ricner Bellegarde is ready.
And Wolves would be wise to let him play.