From Weybridge to the Premier League: Will Hughes’ Career Breakdown

Weybridge is a small town on the outskirts of the London hot spot, often renowned in the sports world for its motorsports rather than its football. Despite not having a full focus on football, Weybridge is the home of one of Crystal Palace’s former FA Cup winners and most consistent players in their recent history. Will Hughes is one of the most successful footballers to come out of the borough of Surrey and is a prime example of how mastering the basics is crucial in the game. His career is often discussed across sporting platforms that also cover wider entertainment, such as live casino online and other digital pastimes.

Early Life & Youth Career

Despite being born in Weybridge, Will Hughes and his family moved to Derby when he was two. Residing in the North of England, Hughes was introduced to many different sports, excelling in cricket, tennis, and, of course, football. Hughes entered education at St. Peter’s Junior School, where he practised these sports regularly and had his first competitive experiences. After leaving primary school, Will Hughes attended Repton School, a well-regarded boarding school, where he was a sports scholar. 

Will Hughes played for Repton’s football team, where he contributed to some early footballing success, coming runners-up in the Independent Schools Football Association Under 15s Cup. Whilst competing for the school team, Hughes also played regular Sunday youth football for local side Mickleover Jubilee. In the summer of 2011, Hughes was scouted by Derby County, which offered him a scholarship, which he accepted. 

Will Hughes rose through the ranks at Derby County, impressing all with his technical ability, vision, and composure in the centre of midfield. His maturity in the midfield earned him his debut for the club’s reserve team in a 6-1 win against Walsall, which, alongside a further appearance against Port Vale reserves, gained attention from first-team staff.

Early Years for Derby County

Will Hughes made his debut for the Rams’ first team as a 90th-minute substitute, which unfortunately would not go as planned. Will Hughes entered the game with the score level, and shortly after his introduction, Peterborough scored the winner in the dying embers of the match. 

Despite his first professional appearance ending in defeat, Will Hughes continued to train with Derby County’s first team. Nigel Clough promoted Will Hughes to the first team permanently in the second-to-last match of the season, which saw him enter the pitch in the 68th minute. Derby County ended the match as winners, 2-1, and in terms of Hughes’ individual performance, he impressed with his calm head on his young shoulders. In the final match of the season, Nigel Clough named Hughes as a starter for Derby County, marking his first start in professional football. 

Following his impressive cameo towards the back end of the season, Will Hughes earned himself a place in the pre-season squad. 

Becoming a Starter

After an impressive pre-season, Will Hughes had officially made it in the Championship for Derby, becoming a regular appearance maker. Shortly after scoring his first goal for the club, Hughes signed his first professional contract with the club, tying him down to the summer of 2015. Hughes had become a regular starter for Derby County in England’s second-tier football at the age of 17, attracting interest from around the world. 

In the 2013/14 season, Derby County sacked Nigel Clough, replacing him with Steve McClaren. Under the former England manager, Hughes would thrive, playing some of his best football and earning himself a place in the PFA Championship Team of the Year.

Back to the South

After the departure of Steve McClaren, Derby appointed Gary Rowett, who is believed to have been one of the reasons for Hughes’ departure. Watford submitted a £8 million bid in 2017, which was accepted, bringing Hughes to the Premier League. 

During his time at Watford, Hughes was part of the team that reached the FA Cup final in the 2018/19 season. Despite putting together some impressive results to reach the final, they faced Manchester City, who ended their run with a 6-0 win. Despite their impressive FA Cup run this season, Watford were relegated to the Championship at the end of the following season. Hughes stayed motivated in the championship, staying at the club and playing a crucial role in their promotion after finishing second. 

A Fresh Start at Selhurst Park

After spending 4 years at Watford, Hughes joined Crystal Palace on a three-year deal, with a 1-year extension available. During his time at Crystal Palace, Hughes became a well-respected figure at the South London club. Despite joining in 2021, his first Premier League goal for the club would not come until 2023, in a 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest. During the 2024/25 season, Hughes signed a new contract with Crystal Palace, extending his stay with the club through the summer of 2027. Shortly following his new deal with the club, Crystal Palace won the FA Cup final against Manchester City, inking Hughes’ name in the record books.