AliousWolves Midfielder Sends Clear Message to Vitor Pereira Amid Transfer Plans – “I Just Need to Play”
Jean-Ricner Bellegarde’s journey at Wolves has been a rollercoaster, but things are looking up for the French midfielder heading into the 2025/26 season.
After joining Wolves in 2023 as Matheus Nunes’ successor in a £12.8 million deal (via BBC Sport), Bellegarde’s first season didn’t quite go to plan.
Despite a standout debut against Liverpool, his campaign was hampered by injuries and difficulty settling into life in the Premier League.
However, the 2024/25 season saw a significant turnaround, particularly under manager Vitor Pereira, who gave him an extended run of games in the second half of the campaign.
Operating both in central midfield and in more advanced number 10 roles, Bellegarde thrived when allowed to express himself on the pitch.
That form appears to have fuelled his confidence, as he’s now made it clear he wants to play a more prominent role moving forward — regardless of where he’s deployed.
In a recent interview, the midfielder spoke candidly 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. I just want to help the team. When the team plays well and wins, I’m happy.”
> “The gaffer knows I can support the striker more, but it all depends on the game. If he tells me to stay deeper, I’ll stay. If I need to push forward, I’ll go – it’s about the match plan.”
Bellegarde’s comments seem like a subtle message to Vitor Pereira — not demanding, but suggestive of his desire to play regularly and contribute more offensively.
With Wolves recently loaning out Tommy Doyle to Birmingham, there’s a chance Bellegarde could see more time in a central role.
However, with competition from Joao Gomes and André, his exact place in the XI remains uncertain.
The potential signing of a left-sided attacker and the recent arrival of Fer Lopez may affect Bellegarde’s role, especially since he filled in impressively for Matheus Cunha during the Brazilian’s absence last season.
While replacing Cunha long-term is a tall order, Bellegarde showed enough quality — creativity, dynamism, and excellent ball progression — to suggest he could be a key figure again this term.
Although Pereira is actively shaping his squad, there’s no doubt Bellegarde has earned more chances.
He offers tactical flexibility and a high work rate, and with Wolves still navigating the transfer market, he could prove to be one of the club’s most valuable assets in 2025/26.
At this point, Bellegarde’s message is simple: he’s ready, versatile, and eager to make an impact — now it’s up to Pereira to find the right role for him.
Alious
