Cameroon international Darlin Yongwa has completed a move to English club Norwich City, signing a four-year contract after leaving French side FC Lorient as a free agent.
The 25-year-old left-back will remain at the club until June 2030, with Norwich confirming his arrival as they strengthen their squad ahead of the new season.
Yongwa’s move ends a four-year spell at Lorient, where he established himself as a regular member of the first-team squad and built a reputation as one of the club’s dependable defenders.
The transfer also marks a new chapter for the Cameroonian, who will play in England for the first time after spending his entire professional career in France.
Before joining Norwich, Yongwa had reportedly attracted interest from Spanish side Malaga.
However, the defender has chosen to continue his career in English football, where he says he has always hoped to play.
Speaking after completing the move, the Cameroon international expressed his excitement at joining the Canaries and beginning a new challenge.
“I am very happy. I’ve always dreamed of playing in England, and Norwich City is a historic club. I am grateful for this opportunity and excited about the project led by the coach and the sporting director. I already feel the warmth of this family club, as well as everyone’s desire to see me happy and succeed.
“I arrive with a lot of ambition. I like to rely on my physical and technical qualities, and I will do everything possible to help the team achieve its goals.”
Yongwa arrives at Norwich after making 23 Ligue 1 appearances during the most recent campaign.
Across four seasons with Lorient, he featured in a total of 97 matches, performances that convinced the English club to strengthen their options at left-back by securing his signature.
His journey to English football began in Cameroon.
Developed in Douala, Yongwa moved to Europe in 2019 when he signed for French club Chamois Niortais.
He spent three seasons with the Ligue 2 side, making 73 appearances before earning a move to Lorient, where he continued his development at a higher level.
The defender’s consistency in French football has also been reflected on the international stage.
Since making his debut for the Indomitable Lions against Uzbekistan in September 2022, Yongwa has gone on to make 14 appearances for Cameroon.
His only international goal came against Zambia in January 2024, adding another milestone to his growing career with the national team.
Valued at €5 million by Transfermarkt, the left-back joins Norwich with experience gained across both Ligue 1 and international football.
He will wear the number 13 shirt at his new club.
For Cameroon, Yongwa’s move to England represents another example of the country’s footballers continuing to establish themselves across Europe’s leading leagues.
