Cameroon international Darlin Yongwa chooses Norwich City after Lorient exit

Norwich City have completed the signing of Cameroon international Darlin Yongwa, who joins the Championship club as a free agent after leaving FC Lorient. The 25-year-old left-back has agreed a four-year contract that will keep him at Carrow Road until June 2030.

Yongwa had attracted interest from Malaga, as reported exclusively by Africafoot, but has opted to continue his career in England with the Canaries. Norwich have moved to strengthen their left side by recruiting a defender whose consistency and experience in French football impressed the club.

The Cameroon international made 23 Ligue 1 appearances for Lorient last season. He departs Les Merlus after four seasons with the club, during which he played 97 matches in total.

His arrival gives Norwich an experienced option at full-back, with Yongwa having established himself at senior level in both domestic and international football. The club confirmed that he will wear the number 13 shirt following his move.

Yongwa began his football development in Douala, Cameroon, before moving to Europe in 2019. He joined Chamois Niortais and made 73 appearances for the Ligue 2 side, performances that helped him secure a move to Lorient and a step up to France’s top flight.

He made his Cameroon debut in September 2022 against Uzbekistan and has since won 14 caps for the Indomitable Lions. Yongwa scored his only international goal so far against Zambia in January 2024.

His move to Norwich comes after a period in which he became a regular presence for Lorient. Across his four seasons with the club, he accumulated nearly 100 appearances, including his 23 Ligue 1 outings during the previous campaign.

The transfer also represents the next stage of a career that began in Cameroon before progressing through the French professional leagues. At Chamois Niortais, he gained experience in Ligue 2, then continued that development after joining Lorient, where he competed in Ligue 1.

Transfermarkt values Yongwa at €5m, although Norwich have secured his services following the end of his Lorient contract. His agreement with the English club runs through June 2030, giving Norwich a long-term commitment from a player who has already built substantial experience in France.

Yongwa now begins his next chapter with Norwich City, having chosen the Canaries despite interest from Malaga. His international record, Ligue 1 experience and record of 97 appearances for Lorient were key elements of the profile Norwich identified as they looked to reinforce their defence.