Rangers Face Competition From English Championship For This Centre-half: Why Martin Must Make It Happen | OneFootball

If a recent report from the Rangers Review is believed to be true, Harry Darling has emerged as a transfer target for Russell Martin, having featured under the Gers’ chief already at MK Dons and Swansea City. But the centre-back has a long list of suitors, with Championship outfits Norwich City, as well as the newly-promoted duo Birmingham City and Wrexham, also keen on securing his services, given his availability on a Bosman.

The 25-year-old defender progressed through the lower leagues of English football after spending his academy years at Cambridge United and Newmarket Town. He rejoined the U’s in 2015 and eventually spent several development loan stints with Bishops Stortford, Hampton & Richmond, Royston Town, and East Thurrock United in non-league. The senior minutes helped him secure a starting role for the League Two side, and his towering presence in deep defence earned him a transfer to League One with MK Dons in January 2021.

Despite Martin’s move to Swansea City six months later, Darling continued to impress under Liam Manning throughout the 2021-22 season. The former Scotland international scripted a reunion by splashing €2.3m in the summer of 2022, and the centre-half made his presence known for the Swans with 112 appearances over the past three campaigns.

SWANSEA, WALES – JANUARY 21: Rhian Brewster of Sheffield United holds off Harry Darling of Swansea City during the Sky Bet Championship match between Swansea City AFC and Sheffield United FC at Swansea.com Stadium on January 21, 2025, in Swansea, Wales. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)

Martin, who left for Southampton a year after bringing Darling into the Championship, is now considering a summer swoop north of the border. The defensive ace has turned down the Swans’ contract extension offer, but the Rangers boss must fend off interest from England, particularly the Canaries, with Liam Manning, their newly-appointed gaffer, also helping him develop at MK Dons since succeeding the Scotsman.

Why Rangers Must Step Up Interest

The Light Blues desperately need reinforcements in the heart of the backline following Leon Balogun’s exit upon the expiry of his Rangers contract. Neraysho Kasanwirjo and Rafael Fernandes were sent back to their parent clubs in the aftermath of failed loans, and a below-par spell could see Robin Propper return to FC Twente in the summer window. Leon King and Clinton Nsiala, the young central defensive pair, are not yet ready for a regular senior status, and Darling, therefore, should secure a first-team spot alongside John Souttar.

Martin is known for his modern-day approach, as he prefers his teams to play it out from the back. He needs defenders with ball-playing traits, something the Gers will lack in Balogun’s absence. Darling should bring that back to Ibrox, along with his leadership traits, composure and concentration.