One Wolves player could be presented with a golden opportunity to shine next season amid the latest transfer rumours at Molineux.
Gary O’Neil will have a significant job on his hands this summer to prepare his Wolves squad for next season.
The Old Gold have already welcomed new signing Rodrigo Gomes to the club, with further arrivals expected throughout the transfer window.
As well as incomings, departures have been speculated, which could open a door for some of those already in O’Neil’s squad.
The latest Wolves transfer news should interest Jean-Ricner Bellegarde
Last week, The Athletic detailed that Wolves could lose two attackers this summer, with Pedro Neto and Pablo Sarabia named as those in doubt.
While Neto is expected to be sold as the Old Gold set a firm asking price of £60m, Sarabia could depart to lower their wage bill.
In the instance that both players were to leave, O’Neil would have several vacancies in his squad, something that should alert Jean-Ricner Bellegarde.
The Frenchman arrived at Molineux on deadline day last summer however, he suffered a disappointing first campaign in the Premier League.
Bellegarde impressed on his Wolves debut against Liverpool however, injury, discipline and competition saw him unable to build form throughout the 2023/24 calendar.
The 25-year-old will be eager to impress next term, with a possible pathway into the favoured XI there for him to follow should Sarabia and Neto depart.
Bellegarde must have a strong 2024/25 campaign at Wolves
Lauded for his ‘versatile’ ability by The Athletic data writer Thom Harris, Bellegarde has the talent to make it under O’Neil, with consistency one flaw he must correct.
Given that just a small glimpse of his ability was visible during his debut term, the 2024/25 calendar could hold great importance for the forward, for both his Wolves career and his future outside of Molineux.
In their squad audit, The Athletic relayed that it’s expected that Bellegarde will get ‘at least one more year to prove himself’, putting healthy pressure on the need to improve next season.
Having the power and skill set to play both centrally behind the striker and on the flank, the possible exits of Sarabia and Neto could only be positive for the Frenchman, who is capable of playing both roles.
After making the move to the Premier League, there will be great hope that the 25-year-old can push on next season, with his re-emergence having the potential to hand O’Neil an alternative to those linked with moves away.