Darling announces Swansea exit before Norwich move

Harry Darling was a consistent performer alongside Ben Cabango at the heart of Swansea's defence in 2024-25

Harry Darling has left Swansea City and joined their Championship rivals Norwich after turning down a new contract at south Wales club.

Darling, 25, is believed to have attracted interest from a string of second-tier clubs including Birmingham City, Wrexham and Sheffield United, but opted for the Canaries.

The defender hadalso been linked with Rangers after they appointed former Swansea head coach Russell Martin as their new boss

Swansea had been to keep Darling and made what they called "a very strong offer" to the former MK Dons player.

Luka Modric, the Swansea co-owner, is believed to have contacted Darling in a bid to convince him to stay, though the club always feared the centre-back may walk away after his contract situation was not addressed at an earlier stage.

Darling ssued a statement on social media declaring that "with a heavy heart", his time at Swansea was over.

"I have made friends for life on and off the pitch during my time at the club and have many memories to savour," Darling said.

"For us as a family, Swansea will always be a very special place as it is the birthplace of our baby daughter Gigi.

"As I move on to the next chapter of my career I will always reflect warmly on my time as a Jack and I thank you for your support in good times and bad over these last few years."

Darling leaves Swansea having made 112 appearances – and chipped in with 12 goals – since joining for a fee in excess of £1m on a three-year deal in 2022.

The player revealed last September that there had been no talks over a new deal, with then boss Luke Williams stressing the need for "urgency" in negotiations.

But while Swansea were able to convince Ben Cabango, who was also due to be out of contract this summer, to sign a new deal last December, it became apparent around the same time that Darling's future may not be decided until the end of the season.

He departed on the back of his best season in Wales, with Swansea already planning for the future having brought in centre-backs Cameron Burgess and Ricardo Santos this summer.

In his statement, Darling thanks staff and players for "helping make this such an enjoyable time in my career".

Swansea, meanwhile, thanked Darling and wished him the best on social media.