Rhys Alex Hughes

Rhys Hughes' move to The New Saints in July 2026 was called a "shock transfer" by Y Clwb Pêl-droed — he had just finished the season as the JD Cymru Premier's leading goalscorer. The midfielder scored 22 goals in 47 appearances for the Nomads and was named the league's Player of the Season for 2024/25, having joined the club on a free transfer in August 2024.

Hughes came through Everton's academy, joining at the age of six and later winning the Keith Tamlin Award. He was nominated for the Premier League 2 Player of the Month in January 2021 before signing professionally with Everton the previous year. He left for Tranmere Rovers on a free transfer in June 2022, scoring his first senior goal against Leeds United's under-23 side that October. Loan spells at Chester and Curzon Ashton followed, where he added further appearances and goals before his move into the Welsh domestic game.

At international level, Hughes has represented Wales at youth level only, earning 15 caps across the U17, U19, U20 and U21 age groups, with his last youth appearance coming in June 2022. He has yet to add a senior cap. His time with Connah's Quay also brought a run to the Welsh Cup final in 2024/25, and among his notable moments for the club was a brace against Flint Town United.