Rangers transfer news: South African defender Olwethu Makhanya linked with Scottish giants
Scottish football giants Rangers are reportedly weighing up a move for South African defender Olwethu Makhanya as the club continues to reshape its squad ahead of the new season.
The 22 year old centre back has emerged as one of the names under consideration as Rangers look to strengthen their defensive options under head coach Derek McInnes. While the Glasgow club has already secured the signing of Ben Godfrey, reports suggest the search for another central defender is far from over.
For Makhanya, a move to Ibrox would represent the biggest opportunity of his career so far. It would also place another South African talent on one of European football’s most demanding stages, where expectations are relentless and every performance is closely scrutinised.
Currently with Major League Soccer side Philadelphia Union, Makhanya has quietly built an impressive reputation since making the move to the United States in 2023. The former Stellenbosch FC defender has featured 53 times for the MLS club, producing composed and consistent displays that have attracted growing attention beyond North America.
His rise has not gone unnoticed. Once regarded as one of South Africa’s brightest defensive prospects, Makhanya has continued to develop into a mature and dependable centre back capable of competing at a high level.
Rangers are entering a crucial period as they prepare for a new campaign with ambitions of challenging domestically and making an impact in European competition. Strengthening the defence remains a priority, and Makhanya is believed to fit the profile of a young player with significant room for further development.
Although no agreement has been reached and the reported interest remains at an early stage, the speculation highlights the growing value of South African players in international football markets. Clubs across Europe are increasingly looking towards emerging talent capable of adapting to the modern game, and Makhanya appears to be firmly on that radar.
Should the transfer materialise, it would mark another milestone in the defender’s career, taking him from the Premier Soccer League to Major League Soccer and potentially to one of Scotland’s most decorated clubs in just a few years.
For South African football supporters, the prospect of another homegrown player competing in European football would be another encouraging sign of the country’s growing influence on the global stage.
