Former Manchester United and Barcelona striker Hughes was the man who brought Nelsen to England – snapping him up for Blackburn Rovers from United States outfit DC United in 2005 – and is pleased to have engineered a reunion.
Nelsen has gone on from those beginnings to play nearly 200 games in the English top flight and Hughes believes that record will be a major asset to Queens Park Rangers.
“I am delighted to bring Ryan to the club,” Hughes says.
“I know what he is all about and what he can offer us, both on and off the pitch. He is a fantastic professional with a great work ethic and it will benefit the younger lads in the group to see how he goes about his work.
“Ryan has got great experience in the Premier League and that is something our squad is lacking a little bit at present.”
The 34-year-old centre back has struggled with injury in recent months but Hughes is unperturbed by his lack of action.
“He is fit, raring to go, and looking forward to representing his country at the Olympics,” Hughes says.
Queens Park Rangers have also signed former England striker Andy Johnson and will need the new pair to make a positive impact after a disappointing campaign that saw the London-based club narrowly avoid relegation.

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