The New Saints are delighted to announce that former Connah's Quay Nomads midfielder Rhys Hughes will sign for the club once the transfer window opens on June 16th.
The 24-year-old arrives at Park Hall having made 72 appearances for the Nomads over the last two seasons, contributing an impressive 33 goals during his spell on Deeside.
Hughes began his career in the youth academy at Everton, joining the Toffees at the age of six. He signed a two-and-a-half-year professional contract in January 2020, and scored three goals and provided six assists in 15 league games for the under-18 team during the 2019-20 season.
After spending a season with the U23s, he completed a move to English League Two side Tranmere Rovers in 2022 and scored his first career goal at Prenton Park in a 5-3 defeat to Leeds United U21s in the EFL Trophy.
From there, loan spells at both Chester and Curzon Ashton would follow, before the midfielder eventually made his first move into Welsh football, signing for Connah’s Quay in August 2024.
His impressive form for the Nomads earned him back-to-back nominations for the JD Cymru Premier Player of the Season award, with the Saints’ new number 20 claiming the prize at the end of the 2024/25 campaign.
Away from the domestic game, Hughes has also represented Wales at international level up to and including under-21s, having made his U21 debut as a substitute in a 2-0 victory against Kosovo in November 2019.
Speaking earlier, head coach Craig Harrison said: "Rhys has done really well domestically over the last two seasons now. He was Player of the Year the year before last and nominated again this year. He's contributed a high tally of goals and assists which gives us another dimension and another option going forward.
"He can play in multiple positions, he's the right age and profile, so it was a no-brainer really. He's more than proved himself at this level and we're really looking forward to working with him."
Hughes himself expressed his excitement at the move, saying: "This is a fantastic opportunity for me and I can't wait to get started.
“The New Saints are a club with a great history of success and winning trophies, and that ambition is exactly what I want to be part of. I'm hungry to hit the ground running and contribute as quickly as possible.”
Chairman Mike Harris added: "We're thrilled to bring Rhys to the club. His record at Connah's Quay speaks for itself - 33 goals in two seasons is an outstanding return.
“We believe he has the quality and hunger to make a real impact, so we’re looking forward to seeing what he can do in the coming months.”
Rhys Hughes is available to sponsor for the upcoming season. Don’t miss out and contact Commercial Manager, Simon O’Reilly, at simon.oreilly@tnsfc.co.uk to secure your sponsorship.
