Rob Davies
The Swans secured the signing of much coveted defender Harry Darling on Saturday evening in a surprise move from MK Dons.
Darling has long been linked with moving to the club since Russell Martin joined last summer and the boss has finally got his man which will no doubt provide a huge boost ahead of the upcoming campaign.
A ball playing centre back, the 22 year old scored 10 goals and earned a place in the League One Team of the Season as the Dons missed out on promotion to the Championship in the play-off semi-finals.
And what was all the more welcoming was Darling’s overwhelming desire to resist interest from other clubs to link back up with his former manager Martin and the backroom staff who he clearly developed a strong relationship with.
MK Dons Sporting Director Liam Sweeting told mkdons.com: “Harry has made a terrific contribution since arriving from Cambridge United and it was unsurprising that he attracted attention from a higher level.
“Given he was entering the final year of his contract, we anticipated serious interest this window. Swansea City was the destination that Harry wanted and eventually they met our valuation for the player, with a deal that protects us in the short and longer term.
“On behalf of the Chairman, Liam and everyone at the Club, I would like to thank Harry for his contribution with us since arriving at Stadium MK and wish him all the best in the future.”
Darling himself was delighted after securing his move to the club: “Russell was a massive part of it (the desire to join). I was with him at my last club and we’ve stayed in contact.
“I love working with him and it’s such a big club. I’ve heard really good things about it so those were the two reasons I want to come here.
“I know the way the manager plays so it was just a case of getting the deal over the line – I just can’t wait to get started.
“The style is different, but when it gets going it’s such an exciting way of playing and it can really dominate teams.
“Although I’m a ball playing centre-back, my first job is to keep clean sheets, defend well and do that for the team. If I can do that bit first, then goals are just added extras.”
