FootyChatter.com

Harry Darling was a consistent performer alongside Ben Cabango at the heart of Swansea's defence in 2024-25 Harry Darling will leave Swansea City after turning down a new contract at the Championship club. Darling, 25, is believed to have attracted interest from a string of second-tier clubs including Norwich City, Birmingham City, Wrexham and Sheffield United. The defender has also been linked with Rangers after they appointed former Swansea head coach Russell Martin as their new boss, but it is the Canaries who appear favourites to clinch a deal as things stand. 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 has now issued a statement on social media, external declaring that "with a heavy heart", his time at Swansea is 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. " Latest Swansea City news, analysis and fan views Swansea 'will be stronger' after transfer window 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 departs 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. Club World Cup: Chelsea face LAFC in front of tens of thousands of empty seats 'The tumult in the Ingebrigtsen fairytale was never far from the surface' Hamilton 'devastated' after running over groundhog 'Five, ten years ago, I may not have been ready for it' Investigating the enduring mystery of ‘Havana Syndrome’ Let the mind games begin, New Zealand-style Who wanted an Indian music star silenced? 'What's eating Rory? ' - will US Open prove reset point for Mc Ilroy? Summer transfer window reopens - who could be on the move? How does new captain Gill compare to India batting greats? A footballing mismatch - why were Auckland City playing Bayern Munich? Four issues facing Australia before Ashes Duplantis breaks men's pole vault world record for 12th time. Video Duplantis breaks men's pole vault world record for 12th time 'Best since Neymar' - Chelsea to get early look at 'special' signing How to follow Queens & Nottingham across the BBC 'He will go stratospheric' - Where will Wirtz play for Liverpool? Is Test cricket financially sustainable? Why has Rodgers signed for the Steelers? Ask Me Anything, the BBC Sport service designed to serve you Copyright © 2025 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.