Liam Manning open to Harry Darling reunion at Norwich City, they were ‘terrific’ together

Add as preferred source on Google

Liam Manning has spoken for the first time as the new head coach of Norwich City as he prepares for life back in his hometown.

The 39-year-old left Bristol City last week to take charge at Carrow Road as the Canaries looked for a replacement for Johannes Hoff Thorup, who was sacked in April.

Next season is vital for the Norfolk outfit, and Norwich do have plenty to spend in the transfer market. However, a play-off place is a minimum target for Manning and he has his work cut out with Josh Sargent already being targeted by Roma while Borja Sainz looks likely to leave.

Nevertheless, as revealed by EFL Analysis, Harry Darling is a Canaries target and both their head coach and Ben Knapper have spoken positively about him.

• READ MORE – Every Premier League free agent for 2025/26, Championship clubs must consider Newcastle and West Ham outcasts

Liam Manning seems keen on bringing Harry Darling to Norwich City

Jacob Wright was Norwich’s first signing of the summer, and Daniel Grimshaw followed quickly after leaving Plymouth Argyle.

It is clear that the Canaries are keen to get their business done quickly and while the first part of the summer transfer window is set to come to a close in the next couple of days, there is plenty of time to improve the squad throughout the next few months.

Manning managed Darling while he was at MK Dons, and it is clear to see how good he thinks he is. He said (via: Pink Un): “I had a terrific time with Harry a few years ago at MK, and I thought he was outstanding.

“Look, he’s really excelled at the level. For me, I think he’s someone that’s showing what he’s capable of at Championship level.

“There’s not a huge amount of players at his age or his profile that are available. So of course, he’ll have a large amount of interest, but he’s definitely someone familiar.”

• READ MORE – Sheffield Wednesday expert was left stunned at Dejphon Chansiri decision, it’s even more baffling in hindsight

Ben Knapper will want to give Liam Manning as much help as possible

After finishing in the play-offs with Bristol City last season, bringing Manning to Norwich is clearly a huge coup and now sporting director Knapper has to show to his new head coach why he has made the right decision.

Darling is being tracked by several clubs following the expiration of his contract at Swansea City, and he would be an excellent signing for the Canaries as they look to resolve some of their defensive issues from 2024/25.

Knapper also recognises the potential that Darling has, and echoed Manning’s comments (via: Pink Un): “You never know things can quickly slide into gear and move quite fast towards the end. We know that time’s quite tight for this window, but it re-opens in the not too distant future.

“Is he [Darling] somebody that we’re aware of, that we think is a fantastic player? Of course, but like Liam said, he’s a free agent this summer. He’s got a lot of interest.

“And there’s lots of players that we’re looking at, so at this point, it’d be naive of me to say that this player is going to come in, or another one is. We’re doing lots of work behind the scenes, and I’m sure as and when there’s any updates, we’ll let you guys know.”