Hedges Returns to Eustace as Derby's Sixth Summer Signing

Ryan Hedges is back under John Eustace and back in the Championship, after Derby County snapped up the winger on a free transfer.

The 31-year-old has signed an initial one-year deal at Pride Park, with the club holding an option to extend his stay by a further 12 months. He left Blackburn Rovers at the end of last season when his contract at Ewood Park expired, ending a four-year spell in East Lancashire.

That stint included his time working with Eustace during the 2024-2025 campaign, a link that has now been restored as the Derby boss continues to reshape his squad.

Hedges has not arrived cold. He reported for pre-season with the Rams last month and has already pulled on the shirt in friendlies against Alfreton Town and SC Freiburg, easing himself into Eustace’s system before the real stuff begins.

The former Wales international, capped three times by his country, brings a well-travelled CV. Before Blackburn and now Derby, he featured for Aberdeen — tasting European football in both the Europa League and the Europa Conference League — as well as Barnsley, Yeovil Town, Leyton Orient and Stevenage Borough.

He becomes Derby’s sixth signing of the summer. Eustace knows exactly what he is getting. Now Hedges has a season, and potentially longer, to show the rest of Pride Park.