Jean-Ricner Bellegarde looks destined to leave Wolves despite new summer transfer plan
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Credit: Imago Tue 21 April 2026 15:00, UK Jean-Ricner Bellegarde’s Wolves exit feels inevitable after their relegation was confirmed despite their board being confident that he will stay to play in the Championship.Wolves were officially relegated to the second tier on Monday night as 17th-placed West Ham picked up a point with a goalless draw at Crystal Palace.Rob Edwards has been able to lead them to some improved results over the last few months, but relegation always looked likely and now they can officially start to plan for life in the Championship.Bellegarde has been a regular starter for the Old Gold when he has been fit this season, but his best form at the club came last term as he registered nine goal contributions in 39 games.Wolves believe that they can retain his services this summer ahead of a return to the second-tier, but he is surely set to move on, considering his strong statistics and previous high-profile interest in his services.Wolves want Jean-Ricner Bellegarde to stay but he has performed well and is wanted abroad Following Wolves’ relegation, The Athletic have reported that Bellegarde is among several key players that their board are keen to keep to form the core of a new-look second-tier squad MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES The Molineux chiefs believe they have a realistic chance of retaining the 27-year-old, but he is clearly a cut above the Championship and thus seems likely to push for a move away this summer.Appearances24Goal contributions2Accurate long balls1.63Successful dribbles %62.1%Duels won per 906.8Duels won %55.4%Fouls won per 902.88Defensive contributions per 907.47Bellegarde’s 2025-26 PL statsBellegarde’s statistics across the whole of the current league season show him dominating duels defensive battles.He ranks highly among PL midfielders for other key metrics, like fouls won and successful dribbles, despite playing in the worst team in the league as it stands.Turkish giants Besiktas were reportedly keen on a move for Bellegarde ahead of the January window, but a hamstring injury he suffered in early December put paid to their interest.It certainly would not be a surprise to see them return to try and sign him in the summer for a cut-price fee, especially if he impresses for Haiti at their first World Cup finals since 1974.The 27-year-old could secure a move away with some fine showings in North America, and Wolves’ confidence about keeping him does seem misplaced right now.Edwards will want Bellegarde to stay at Wolves this summerWolves will not want to lose Bellegarde this summer as their midfield options are set to be massively depleted, with sources recently revealing to Football Insider that Leeds are in talks to sign Ladislav Krejci.Joao Gomes and Andre are both also expected to leave ahead of next season, and so it is no wonder that the Old Gold feel like keeping the Haiti star is imperative to their plans.After the injury he suffered in December, Edwards praised Bellegarde as he awaited his recovery, saying: “I really do think he will (suit the system), so I’m looking forward to seeing him back.”The Wolves boss will no doubt want him to stay at Molineux, but seems likely to suffer another blow before the Championship season is even fully underway if the 27-year-old makes an exit. 🐺 Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Wolves Insider Access Get the full story from Molineux and Compton Park with our dedicated expert hubs: Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the West Midlands.