Why Harry Darling has chose to join Norwich City over Rangers, Birmingham City & Sheffield United | OneFootball

Darling has signed a multi-year deal with the Canaries after leaving Swansea City as a free agent.

Harry Darling has admitted that Norwich City's Premier League ambition was what ultimately swayed him towards a move from Swansea City to Carrow Road.

The Canaries have fended off strong opposition from league rivals to the signing of the 25-year-old centre-back. Swansea offered him fresh terms, but he chose to turn them down, as well as Birmingham City, Rangers, Sheffield United and Wrexham, who were all interested in him, in favour of a move to Norfolk.

Darling has agreed a three-year deal with the Canaries, with an option to extend by a further year. He has worked with Norwich boss Liam Manning before at MK Dons. The Cambridge-born defender was a key cog in his system, starting 43 out of 46 regular season matches for the then League One side.

Harry Darling reveals reason why he joined Norwich City

Norwich had a very underwhelming campaign last time out. They finished in the bottom half of the Championship and fell way short of their standings in the previous term, which saw them earn a play-off spot. So why did Darling choose the Canaries over the other suitors? He has said it's because of their Premier League ambitions.

"I think it always plays a part, but for me it's a big step in my career, this next move," Darling said of Norwich's top flight aims on the club's YouTube channel. "It wasn't about location, it was about the club and the ambitions going forward.

"I spoke to Ben [Knapper, City's sporting director] and the ambition is obviously to get back to the Premier League. That aligns with myself and my ambitions. It wasn't a big part, the location, but it obviously does help.

"I like to bring a lot of leadership qualities," said the 25-year-old. "I've got a lot of experience at the level now, so if I can help the boys in any way I can, then I want to try and do that. Experience, leadership, things like that.

"Always loved playing here. It's obviously very easy for my family to come and see, so there's always a lot of family here. The ground is brilliant, the support is always brilliant as well. Looking forward to being a home player here, rather than an away player.

"Support us as a group. I think it's going to be a really exciting season and hopefully we can do something special this year."

Game time may have factored into Harry Darling's Norwich decision

While Darling was one of the standout central defenders in the second tier last season, two of the teams vying for his signature - Birmingham and the Blades - already have fairly well-established duos in the middle of their backline. Had he joined either of them, there would have been less of a guarantee of regular minutes.

On the flip side, at Carrow Road, whose team struggled to stop opponents from finding the back of the net under previous boss Johannes Hoff Thorup, Darling will be the main man from the get-go.