Hedges Returns to Eustace at Derby as Sixth Summer Signing

Ryan Hedges is back under John Eustace and back in the Championship spotlight.

Derby County have snapped up the 31-year-old winger on a free transfer, handing him a one-year contract with an option for a further 12 months. He arrives after leaving Blackburn Rovers at the end of his deal this summer, ending a four-year stay at Ewood Park.

The move also restores a familiar partnership. Hedges played under Eustace at Blackburn during the 2024-2025 campaign, and the Derby boss has moved quickly to bring a trusted wide option into his new-look squad.

There was nothing rushed about the introduction, though. Hedges has been working with the Rams since the start of pre-season, joining training last month and featuring in friendlies against Alfreton Town and SC Freiburg as Derby tuned up for the new campaign.

For the former Wales international, capped three times by his country, Derby is the latest stop in a career that has taken him across the English pyramid and into Europe. He previously enjoyed a productive spell at Aberdeen, where he sampled both the Europa League and the Europa Conference League, and has also turned out for Barnsley, Yeovil Town, Leyton Orient and Stevenage Borough.

Hedges becomes Derby’s sixth signing of the summer.

Eustace now has another experienced, versatile winger in his armoury. How big a role he carves out at Pride Park will be one of the quieter but intriguing subplots of Derby’s season.