Ryan Hedges Joins Derby County: Sixth Summer Signing

Derby County have added more experience to their wide options with the signing of Ryan Hedges on a free transfer, reuniting the winger with head coach John Eustace.

The 31-year-old has agreed a one-year deal at Pride Park, with the club holding an option to extend his stay by a further 12 months.

Hedges became a free agent after leaving Blackburn Rovers in the summer when his contract at Ewood Park expired. His move to Derby links him back up with Eustace, under whom he played in East Lancashire during the 2024-2025 campaign.

The former Wales international, capped three times by his country, has already been integrated into Derby’s preparations. He joined up with the Rams for pre-season last month and has featured in friendlies against Alfreton Town and SC Freiburg, offering an early glimpse of what he can bring to Eustace’s side.

Hedges is Derby’s sixth signing of a busy summer window, adding further depth and know-how to a squad targeting progress under their new boss.

His career has taken in a broad mix of clubs and competitions. Before his spell at Blackburn, Hedges enjoyed a productive stint at Aberdeen, where he gained European experience in both the Europa League and the Europa Conference League. Earlier in his career he had spells with Barnsley, Yeovil Town, Leyton Orient and Stevenage Borough, building a reputation as a hard-working, versatile wide player.

Now he arrives at Pride Park with a familiar face in the dugout and a short-term deal that carries a clear challenge: make an impact quickly and earn that extra year.