Saudi Arabian side NEOM have made contact with Wolves regarding Jean-Ricner Bellegarde.
Foot Mercato report that Christophe Galtier’s side are interested in the 28-year-old, who is yet to feature for Wolves this season.
The website explains that NEO are determined to add to their options before the end of the transfer window.
They’re already targeted a deal for Georginio Wijnaldum, as reports this week already stated. But that is not all. Foot Mercato’s information is that the Saudi Club have made contact for Wolves midfielder Bellegarde as well.
Out of the picture at Wolves
He’s yet to feature for Wolves this season following relegation to the Championship last season. That, it seems, has opened the door to a bid from NEOM. Or at least encouraged the Saudi side to make enquiries.
Whether Wolves are open to a sale remains to be seen. At this point, Bellegarde does not appear to be a part of their long-term plans.
This could present them with an opportunity to make their money back on a player whose time at Molineux has not worked out. With a deal until 2028 as well, now is a good time to sell rather than face any future issues on that front.
£12.8m three years ago
There’s no indication of what NEOM would be willing to pay. Nor is there any mention of Wolves asking price at this point.
The midfielder cost £12.8m to sign from Strasbourg in 2023 so it is easy to assume that Wolves would at least want to make their money back.
There is certainly no reason for them to offer a reduced price, particularly when Saudi Arabian sides have shown a willingness to spend big in recent years.
For now, NEOM’s interest seems to be limited to an enquiry. And it will be interesting to see if they want both Bellegarde and Wijnaldum, or just one or the other. The interest is there, though, in the final days of the window.
