Godwin ObajeRangers Set to Miss Out on Harry Darling as Norwich Close in – Transfer Déjà Vu for Ibrox Club
Rangers are poised to suffer another familiar blow in the transfer market, with reports suggesting that long-term target Harry Darling is on the verge of joining Norwich City.
The 25-year-old centre-back, out of contract at Swansea City at the end of this month, had been strongly linked with a move to Ibrox this summer. Darling previously worked under new Rangers head coach Russell Martin during their time together in South Wales, fuelling speculation that a reunion could be on the cards.
However, despite interest from both Rangers and Bristol City, Daily Record reports that Darling is now set to remain in the English Championship, with Norwich winning the race for his signature. It’s a frustrating turn of events for the Light Blues and particularly Martin, who will have to look elsewhere as he seeks to reshape the defensive core of his side.
The situation mirrors a near-identical saga from just over a year ago, when Rangers pursued Panama international José Córdoba, then at Levski Sofia. That deal appeared close to completion, with the player even attending a match at Ibrox as part of a charm offensive by the club. But Córdoba ultimately opted for Norwich instead, signing for a reported £3million in August 2024.
Reflecting on the failed Córdoba deal, former Rangers director of football Nils Koppen — who departed earlier this month following the 49ers Enterprises takeover — offered rare insight into why the club pulled the plug.
“A lot of work had been done and we got to a point where everything was agreed,” Koppen revealed. “The player was here in Glasgow and attended a game, but we didn’t really feel that passion to come and play for Rangers.
“While there was an agreement in place, we decided that we can’t have a player at Rangers who has already started to doubt if this is the best place for him before he’s played a minute of football.
“It’s unfortunate because of how much work goes into the process, but at the end of the day you need to ask: are we comfortable with the situation?”
That hard-learned lesson may well have influenced Rangers’ approach to Darling’s pursuit. With the centre-back reportedly leaning towards staying in England, Rangers now look set to walk away rather than force a deal that lacks conviction from the player’s side.
In the meantime, the club have also seen Australian international Cameron Burgess, another mooted target, complete a move to Swansea after his contract expired at Ipswich Town.
While Russell Martin is keen to bring in players familiar with his system, especially ahead of a return to European competition, he now faces a test of Rangers’ pulling power against well-positioned Championship clubs.
The Ibrox club’s recruitment drive continues in earnest, but the early signs suggest Martin’s first transfer window at the helm may be every bit as competitive — and complicated — as his predecessors faced.
Godwin Obaje
