Early Transfer Blow for Rangers as Harry Darling Edges Closer to Championship Switch
Rangers fans might be hit with some early transfer frustration, as one of Russell Martin’s top summer targets looks set to slip through the net.
Reports over the weekend claimed that Martin, freshly installed as Rangers head coach, had made Harry Darling a priority signing. The pair share a strong history — Martin coached Darling at both MK Dons and Swansea, and has long been an admirer of the defender’s talent and mentality.
With Leon Balogun departing and question marks surrounding Robin Pröpper’s future, defensive reinforcements are a must at Ibrox this summer. And with Darling now a free agent, the timing looked ideal.
Described by Martin as “young and hungry,” and a player with the complete package — technical ability, athleticism, and character — Darling seemed like a perfect fit for the new-look Rangers side. The feeling was clearly mutual too, with the 25-year-old previously praising Martin’s influence on his career: “Russell was massive for me… he trusted me in big moments and made me believe in my game.”
But despite that strong connection, Rangers now look set to miss out.
According to fresh reports — including BBC Radio Norfolk’s Chris Reeve — Norwich City are closing in on a deal for the highly rated centre-back. Reeve posted on social media that there’s growing confidence at Carrow Road that Darling will be their next signing, beating out competition from Rangers and several EFL Championship clubs.
It’s a setback for Martin, who will now need to pivot quickly to other targets — with names like Leicester’s Conor Coady already being mentioned.
For now, it looks like one familiar face won’t be following Martin to Glasgow. But the window is still young, and Rangers fans can expect more movement soon.
