Norwich City must target an outstanding Championship star now after completing the signing of defender Harry Darling.
After weeks of speculation, Norwich City completed the signing of central defender Harry Darling, who became a Championship free agent upon the expiry of his Swansea City contract.
EFL Analysis exclusively revealed earlier in June that Norwich had entered the race for coveted defender Darling, and that a deal was likely to happen to see former MK Dons duo Manning and Darling reunite at Norwich.
Norwich are hoping for a strong transfer budget this summer to equip newly-appointed Manning with reinforcements to mount a promotion charge and improve on the Canaries’ mid-table finish in 2024/25.
Following the coup of Darling, adding another “brilliant” player to the mix, would bolster those aspirations for multiple reasons.
Liam Manning should make Josh Murphy his next Norwich City signing
The addition of one of the Championship’s best central defenders is an excellent coup for the Canaries, who are proving to be early predicted contenders for a top-six under Manning’s tutelage next term.
Unfortunately for Norwich, transfer vultures are circling for their prized duo, and will continue to do so throughout the summer transfer window.
Newly-promoted Leeds United have made a £16.8m approach for striker Josh Sargent, who scored 15 goals for the Canaries last season, and Norwich fans may fear the worst with Sargent’s admission made in 2024 about his Premier League aspirations.
Italian champions Napoli submitted multiple offers for Borga Sainz earlier this month, on the back of the Spanish winger’s outstanding campaign in which he finished runner-up in the Championship golden boot race.
Following Sainz’s stellar season, cementing himself as one of the best players in the Championship, Norwich received first bids for Sainz as the window opened and are in a difficult negotiating position, given the winger is entering the final year of his current Canaries deal with no signs of extending his stay.
As a result, Norwich must target current Portsmouth wideman Josh Murphy as Sainz’s potential replacement, after he scored seven goals and notched 14 assists in 42 Championship appearances last season in his first season at Pompey.
| Statistic | Josh Murphy in 24/25 | Borga Sainz in 24/25 |
| Games | 42 | 18 |
| Goals | 7 | 4 |
| Assists | 14 | 41 |
Portsmouth are braced for transfer interest in the 30-year-old this summer, and Portsmouth sporting director Rich Hughes has sung his praises in the post-season.
He told The News: “I am sure there will be a lot of clubs kicking themselves that they didn’t sign him last summer. He has been brilliant.”
Englishman Murphy would go a long way to filling the void if Sainz does depart this summer, and would see the left-winger continue the reunions with Manning at Carrow Road, as well as seeing Murphy return to the club he broke through at.
What Liam Manning has already said about former Oxford United ace Josh Murphy
Wideman Murphy rose through the ranks of the Canaries academy and made his first-team debut in the 2013/14 season before going on to make over 100 Norwich appearances, before spells with Cardiff City and Preston North End.
Following those, Murphy was under Manning’s stewardship at Oxford United from March 2023 until November, before Manning moved to Bristol City.
Until October of Manning’s first season in charge at Oxford, Murphy had only played for the U’s in cup competitions, but broke back into the team after making a big impact from the bench against Exeter City to earn a penalty.
Then-Oxford boss applauded Murphy for his efforts to force his way back into contention. He told the Oxford Mail: “The last two games, he’s had a huge impact. I have a good relationship with Josh, I’ve got a huge amount of time for him.
“We had a discussion in the summer and I can’t commend him enough for getting his head down, working, turning up and having an impact in training.
“Ultimately it’s on him. He’s forced his way into the team and I’m delighted for him and the group. Long may it continue.”
At the end of the 2023/24 season, Murphy finished on eight goals and four assists in 31 League One appearances, with his stunning brace in the play-off final inspiring the U’s to promotion, which saw Pompey swoop for his signature last summer.
On the back of his impressive season, a return to Carrow Road for Murphy and a reunion with Manning would constitute another massive coup for the Canaries after Darling’s arrival which would continue to bolster Norwich’s chances of a top-six finish next term.
