Harry Darling: Swansea City sign defender from MK Dons

Harry Darling previously made 73 appearances for Cambridge United and had has been linked with a number of clubs, including in the Premier League

Swansea City have signed MK Dons centre-back Harry Darling for an undisclosed fee.

The 22-year-old had been a key target for Swansea head coach Russell Martin since he took charge in August 2021.

Martin signed Darling during his spell at Stadium MK, where the defender made 72 appearances, scoring 10 goals, after joining in January 2021.

Darling, who has signed a three-year Swansea deal, says Martin's possession-based style "is the best way to play."

He added: "I was with [Martin] at my last club and we've stayed in contact.

"I love working with him and it's such a big club. I've heard really good things about it so those were the two reasons I want to come here.

"I know the way the manager plays so it was just a case of getting the deal over the line - I just can't wait to get started."

He added: "Although I'm a ball playing centre-back, my first job is to keep clean sheets, defend well and do that for the team. If I can do that bit first, then goals are just added extras."

Martin took Darling to MK Dons from Cambridge United, where he made 73 appearances after coming through the club's youth ranks.

Darling was named in the 2021-22 League One team of the season as well as winning the players' player of the year prize at his club.

"He's very young and hungry and he possesses all the attributes you need to play at the very top, in my opinion, and it's up to us to help him unlock those now," Martin told the Swansea website.

"He's got athleticism, mentality, technical ability and, first and foremost, he's a great character. It's a really brilliant signing for the club in terms of investment."

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