Wolves signing went ‘above and beyond’ to secure £13m transfer – even took surprise step to make it happen
According to the most recent Wolves transfer rumors, Jean-Ricner Bellegarde went above and above to get a move to Molineux.
Following a £12.8 million transfer from RC Strasbourg on Deadline Day, Jean-Ricner Bellegarde made his Wolverhampton Wanderers debut against Liverpool on Saturday. The gamer had always imagined playing in a game of that nature.
It wasn’t an easy beginning for Bellegarde as he struggled to establish himself as a regular starter for his Ligue 2 debut side, RC Lens. He took a few years to secure a position at Strasbourg after that before ultimately ascending to become one of their greatest.
The talented midfielder has long wanted to play in the Premier League, and in January, at the age of 24, it looked like he might finally take the risk. However, the negotiations with Wolves were put on hold due to an ankle injury.
That didn’t drop Bellegarde’s spirits too much, though, as the energetic powerhouse returned to fitness in March and made it his mission to do all he could to ensure the Premier League ship hadn’t sailed, while Wanderers retained their interest.
The Athletic claims that Bellegarde rejected down a lucrative new contract offer from Strasbourg and instead began taking lengthy, rigorous English classes. The plan was to go as quickly as possible from France to England.
As Deadline Day approached and Bellegarde remained a player for Strasbourg, it appeared that the opportunity may have once again gone. However, Wolves made a last-ditch effort, and a trade was completed in the closing hours of the window.
Donning the Old Gold for the first time on Saturday, the player’s determination to go above and beyond had paid off as he earned his first minutes. Despite a 3-1 defeat to Liverpool, Bellegarde showed some quick adaptation and impressed.
With Mario Lemina having a similar skill set, it remains to be seen if the Frenchman can force his way into Gary O’Neil’s starting lineup, but Bellegarde’s debut has undoubtedly thrown a wrench in the works.
Wolves now have some midfield depth and, even without Matheus Nunes and Ruben Neves, should be able to compete with the rest of the Premier League in the middle of the park. Strong man Bellegarde might have a significant impact.
