Exclusive: Lee Hendrie urges both Birmingham City & Wrexham to go all-out for Swansea City man.

Ex-Premier League footballer and current Sky Sports pundit Lee Hendrie has urged Birmingham City or Wrexham to sign Swansea City centre-back Harry Darling this summer, despite both clubs’ reported interest in his services following his impressive form in 2024/25.

Darling joined the Swans from MK Dons in 2022 on a three-year contract. He has been a key defender for the club under various managers over the last two-and-a-half seasons. However, his contract expires next month.

The 25-year-old is a solid centre-back in the Championship, with excellent short and long-range passing abilities and a knack for scoring goals.

This summer, he is expected to be a target for several second-tier clubs, including Birmingham and Wrexham, who were promoted from League One.

Lee Hendrie Issues Harry Darling’s transfer decision comes amid interest from Birmingham and Wrexham

Darling struggled for consistent game time during his debut Swansea season under Russell Martin, who had previously managed him at MK Dons, but he still made 32 appearances and scored four goals in his first season.

The Cambridge-born centre-back was a key player for both Michael Duff and Luke Williams in 2023/24, stepping up at both ends in numerous big games to help his team win and avoid relegation. Despite being linked with a move to Bristol City last summer, he remained with the Swans as they finished the season strong with three wins in the last five games.

This past season was arguably his most impactful yet, as he was almost always present in the Championship under Williams and interim manager Alan Sheehan. He appeared in 39 league games, scoring five goals and assisting three times, but his contract at the Swansea.com Stadium expires in June.

 

Birmingham were linked with a move for Darling in the January window and appear to have renewed their interest in him this summer, with journalist Alan Nixon reporting that the League One champions are eager to sign him on a free transfer soon.

The Blues are reportedly offering “top terms” to the 25-year-old to join their project, but fellow Championship newcomers Wrexham are said to be planning to match them financially. It is likely to come down to Darling’s personal choice, with both clubs interested.

Former professional player and current EFL pundit Lee Hendrie has praised Darling for his impressive performances at Swansea, and he believes either Birmingham or Wrexham will make a move for the centre back this summer as he prepares to leave South Wales.

In an exclusive interview with Football League World, Hendrie revealed that Birmingham and Wrexham are interested in signing Swansea’s Harry Darling, who has been a standout player for the club.

“Swansea have had a tough few seasons, but he has been one of their bright spots.

“To be honest, he could play for either Birmingham or Wrexham.” Obviously, these are two teams that will be aiming for the play-offs and a promotion push.

“He would be a great addition for both teams, I would feel, due to his physical presence and him having Championship experience.”

 

Swansea have extended Darling’s contract, suggesting he may join a more ambitious club.

Darling has been a regular for the Swans over the last few years, and while he looks set to depart for free soon, it is clear that the club has tried to keep him beyond next month.

In January, WalesOnline reported that talks would be postponed until the summer, allowing him to focus on his football until May. According to the same report, the club had tried unsuccessfully to persuade him to sign a long-term contract extension.

Swansea’s director of football, Richard Montague, revealed earlier this month that the club had offered him a new, improved contract to persuade him to continue his footballing career in South Wales.

“We have made another offer to Harry. We believe it is a strong offer. Harry believes he is in a unique position to make the best decision for himself and his family, as reported by WalesOnline.

“However, we believe we have put our best foot forward. Alan and I had him in the office for about an hour earlier, trying to persuade him that Swansea is the best place for him to further his career. We sincerely believe it is.

“We’re hoping for a positive outcome, but we understand that there are many clubs that can provide a variety of benefits, and Harry must do what is best for him and his family. We’re doing everything we can to ensure a positive outcome for ourselves.

It is currently unknown what Darling will decide this summer, but the saga surrounding his contract will undoubtedly come to an end soon, with those aforementioned interested clubs likely to become impatient and potentially move on to new targets.

Whatever happens, the club he joins next season will undoubtedly be pleased to have him on board, as he is a top second-tier centre-back with the potential to play at a higher level in the near future and could help that club achieve success.

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