Norwich add Cameroon full-back Darlin Yongwa on free transfer

Norwich have strengthened their defence with the arrival of Cameroon left-back Darlin Yongwa from FC Lorient on a free transfer. The 25-year-old has signed a contract with the Championship club running until 30 June 2030.

Yongwa joins after four seasons with Lorient, where he made 158 appearances across Ligue 1 and Ligue 2. His record in France’s second tier includes 99 appearances, one goal and 10 assists, while he played 59 times in Ligue 1, scoring twice and providing three assists.

The full-back was part of the Lorient side that won the French second tier title in the 2024-25 season. He leaves the club having established himself in French professional football after initially moving there from Chamois Niort in July 2022.

Lorient paid €1.5m for Yongwa when they signed him from Niort. Before that move, he had progressed through Niort B after beginning his senior career with Brasseries.

A left-footed defender, Yongwa gives Norwich an experienced option on the left side of their back line as they prepare for the Championship campaign. He has also played in the Coupe de France, Coupe de la Ligue and National 2, and recorded an assist in the L2/N1 play-offs.

Yongwa’s move to England represents the latest step in a career that has been spent largely in the French league system. He made 11 appearances in National 2 for Niort B and later added three more appearances in the competition for Lorient.

His highest recorded market value was €6m, while his current valuation stands at €5m. Norwich have secured his services without a transfer fee, with the deal formalised on 4 August 2026.

The completed move takes Yongwa from Ligue 1 club FC Lorient to Norwich in the Championship.