Wolves seal Deadline Day transfer after late panic as long-term contract signed

Strasbourg's French midfielder Jean-Ricner Bellegarde (L) is tackled by Lyon's French defender Sael Kumbedi, during the French L1 football match between RC Strasbourg Alsace and Olympique Lyonnais (OL) at Stade de la Meinau in Strasbourg, eastern France on August 13, 2023. (Photo by PATRICK HERTZOG / AFP) (Photo by PATRICK HERTZOG/AFP via Getty Images)

Wolverhampton Wanderers have completed the Deadline Day signing of RS Strasbourg midfielder Jean-Ricner Bellegarde on a five-year deal.

The former France U21 international has put pen to paper after Wolves agreed a £12.8 million package to bring him to Molineux.

Supporters began to panic somewhat as the deadline was fast approaching and the deal was left so late but Wanderers got it over the line eventually.

Blessed with blistering pace, Bellegarde can play as a central midfielder or in a more advanced position supporting the strikers.

It awaits to be seen what role he will play under Gary O’Neil but it’s likely to be similar to that of Matheus Nunes, who has departed the club.

The Portuguese midfielder joined Manchester City on Friday morning for a club-record sale, earning Wolves around £52.8 million.