Norwich City growing in confidence over Harry Darling deal

The Canaries have faced strong competition in the race to sign the 25-year-old on a free transfer, but are now in the process of finalising a deal that will see them secure his services despite interest from across the Championship and Scotland.  

@SwansOfficial pic.twitter.com/mrXRwT2Jx4

— Harry (@HarryDarling10) June 16, 2025

No deal has been signed yet, and there remains work to do before Darling is unveiled as their third signing of the summer. 

Should it get over the line, Darling would reunite with new Canaries head coach Liam Manning at Carrow Road after the pair worked together previously at MK Dons. 

Rangers, Birmingham, Wrexham, Stoke and Sheffield United have all been linked with the Cambridge-born defender since he opted to pursue options elsewhere at the end of his Swansea contract.

Darling has now confirmed his departure from Swansea via his social media channels as he closes in on a Carrow Road switch. 

City have pushed hard to convince the ball-playing defender to move to Norfolk and it seems their persuasion has done the trick. Despite the Manning connection, City's interest in Darling is long-standing and he was a target prior to the managerial change.

They are expected to add to their centre-back ranks further. City are also moving on goalkeepers, with a third-choice addition understood to be close to being finalised. 

Manning was asked about City's interest in Darling at his first press conference as City boss, and revealed he would want to sign him for his Carrow Road project. 

“I had a terrific time with Harry a few years ago at MK, and I thought he was outstanding,” he said. “And look, he's really excelled at the level. For me, I think he's someone that's showing what he's capable of at Championship level.

"There's not a huge amount of players at his age or his profile that are available. So of course, he'll have a large amount of interest, but he's definitely someone familiar.”

Harry Darling has been highly-sought after this summer. (Image: PA) Sporting director Ben Knapper also confirmed City's interest in the defender. 

“Is he somebody that we're aware of, that we think is a fantastic player? Of course, but like Liam said, he's a free agent this summer. He's got a lot of interest," he said. 

"And there's lots of players that we're looking at, so at this point, it'd be naive of me to say that this player is going to come in, or another one is. We’re doing lots of work behind the scenes, and I'm sure as and when there's any updates, we'll let you guys know.”