Liam Manning has said that Harry Darling would be “a great fit” for Norwich City amid links to the club.
The former Bristol City boss took charge at Carrow Road last week after The Canaries reportedly paid £800,000 to buy him out of his contract in the South West. He has already begun making transfer business, signing Plymouth Argyle goalkeeper Daniel Grimshaw for £600,000 according to Sky Sports.
Manning Discusses Darling Link
One name that has frequently popped up as a potential transfer for Norwich is Harry Darling, who is currently out of contract at Swansea City. The Welsh club had tried repeatedly to agree on new terms with the centre-back, but could not come to any agreement and the 25-year-old looks set to leave after the signing of Ricardo Santos from Bolton Wanderers.
In his first press conference in Norfolk, Manning discussed the possibility of signing Darling as part of a wider question on how many transfers could be expected this summer. He said (Quotes via The Pink’Un):
“I don’t want to put a number on that, but I’ve done my best to assess the squad and we know which positions we’re going for. I had a good time with Harry (Darling) a few years ago, I’m sure he’ll have a lot of offers but I think he’d be a great fit.”
Sporting Director Ben Knapper added about Darling:
“He’s somebody we’re aware of and think is a fantastic player, but I don’t know yet. He’ll have a lot of offers and there are a lot of players we’re looking at. When there are updates we’ll let you guys know.”
Manning was the boss of Milton Keynes Dons during the defender’s time there, until Darling was sold to Swansea in June 2022. He has also been linked with moves to Wrexham and Birmingham City last month.
Writers’ View
Harry Darling has been a man in demand with Rangers, Birmingham City and Wrexham all looking to sign him in addition to Swansea wanting him to sign a new deal. But with Liam Manning and Ben Knapper’s comments, The Canaries might fancy their chances at luring the 25-year-old to Carrow Road. Whoever signs him has got a very capable defender on their hands. If Norwich City can get Darling and Callum Doyle signed as free agents, they will have a centre-back partnership that could last a long time.
