Norwich City enter race for coveted Championship defender who’ll cost £0, Liam Manning reunion is on the cards
Norwich City are having a strong start to the summer transfer window under new manager Liam Manning, and EFL Analysis understands they’ve entered the race for Swansea City centre-back Harry Darling.
Ahead of the 2025/26 Championship campaign, Norwich City are looking to make themselves promotion contenders.
Norwich have already taken Liam Manning from Bristol City, becoming their new manager this week, while Jacob Wright has arrived permanently at Carrow Road from Manchester City.
With Daniel Grimshaw also closing in on a move to Norwich, it’s been a strong start to June for the Canaries. Now, they could also have an established centre-back to add to their squad.
Norwich City have entered the race for Swansea City’s Harry Darling
Swansea City defender Harry Darling is on the verge of becoming a Championship free agent, with his contract at the Liberty Stadium set to expire.
It was revealed in May that Wrexham and Birmingham City were battling for Darling. Now, more second-tier clubs have entered the picture for his signature.
As per information from our Chief Football Correspondent, Graeme Bailey, EFL Analysis can reveal that Stoke City are keen on the 25-year-old, while Norwich have joined the race.
Although Darling has been offered a new deal by Swansea, he is expected to move on from the club this summer, with Norwich potentially emerging as frontrunners.
Why Norwich could hold the advantage in Darling pursuit
When Manning was the manager of MK Dons, Darling featured 47 times under the Englishman and scored an impressive 10 goals from centre-back.
The Norwich boss may look to reunite with him this summer, and as the Swansea ace has played under him previously, that could sway his decision.
Since joining Swansea from MK Dons in 2022, he’s established himself as a top Championship defender, and last season, he appeared 39 times and scored five goals alongside 13 clean sheets.
So, if Norwich can snap him up on a free, he’d be an excellent addition.
After what has felt like weeks of negotiating and hushed conversations, Liam Manning has finally been announced as the new head coach of Norwich City.
The 39-year-old led Bristol City to the play-offs last season, but after a 6-0 aggregate defeat to Sheffield United, he has switched the West Country for East Anglia and he is now tasked with taking the Canaries back into the top six.
