Arsenal's Under-18 goalkeeper Daniel Barden trialled for Norwich in October 2018 in a 7-0 defeat against Spurs. He was offered a contract in November but the deal wasn't formally announced until 24th January 2019.

Barden signed scholarship terms with Arsenal in 2017. Barden was named on the bench for Arsenal U18s as a schoolboy and made seven appearances at that level, while he was a substitute for both legs of the FA Youth Cup final against Chelsea in 2017/18. The Hale End product also made the bench for the U23s but the continued development of Arthur Okonkwo and the arrival of Karl Hein pushed him further down the pecking order.

On 13th July 2019, it was announced that Barden had joined Isthmian League side Bury Town on a season long loan to gain experience of men's football.

n September 2019, he was called up by Wales Under-19s for a tournament in Denmark. He made his debut in a 2-2 draw with Norway on 9th Septembe r2019.

International call-ups for Tim Krul and Michael McGovern and injury to Aston Oxborough saw Barden make his competitive first team debut for Norwich in the Carabao (League) Cup first round clash at Luton on 5th September 2020 which Norwich lost 3-1 although Barden did not disgrace himself. He then went on to make three further appearances and picked up the man of the match award in City’s FA Cup game against Coventry City where he made seven saves to help the team to a 2-0 victory.  He was then called up to the Wales Under-21 squad for friendlies in March 2021 but had to drop out due to injury. He then signed a new contract with Norwich on 24th March 2021 to keep him at Carrow Road until 2024. He finished the 2020/21 season with four first team appearances to his credit as Norwich won the Championship title.

On 4th June 2021 it was reported by the Daily Record that Barden was Scottish side Livingston's transfer target. This was confirmed on 2nd July with Barden joining the Scottish Premiership side on a season-long loan

On 18th October 2021 it was reported that Barden was undergoing treatment for testicular cancer. He will take a break from football to recover. He said "The initial diagnosis was a real shock for me, but the positive thing is that we've caught it early. The prognosis and next steps have all been positive. I'm optimistic and have a positive mindset. I'm confident that I'll be able to beat it and that I'll be back out there doing what I love soon."

.On 14th December 2022 he joined Maidstone United of the National League on a one month loan. This was extended and he made a total of 14 appearances.

After a long term knee injury in March 2023, he made his return to competitive action on 27th January 2024 when he played for Norwich's Under-21s against Manchester United at Old Trafford. City lost 4-2.

Barden signed a new contract with City at the end of April 2024 to keep him at the club until 2026. He said: "I'm feeling really good. It's been a long journey, but really happy to get the deal done and be here for another two years. I really appreciate everything the club has done for me. It's been a tough few years, but happy to get another two to get back out playing and do what I know I can do."

On 14th July 2024 it was reported that Barden had been training with Forest Green Rovers with a view to a potential loan move to the National League side. Speaking to Gloucestershire Live, Rovers manager Steve Cotteril said: “We have taken Dan Barden on a short-term period with us from Norwich, he is going to come away with us [to a training camp in Germany] so we can get to have a look at Dan as well." Forest Green are in need of another goalkeeping option, with only Jamie Searle and Fiachra Pagel their options in that position currently. 

On 30th August 2024 he joined Swindon Town on a season long loan. He was one of 13 recruits by Swindon during the summer of 2024, with four joining on Transfer Deadline Day.