Rangers are set to spend £3.4 million on South African centre-back Olwethu Makhanya, with The Athletic reporting the deal with Philadelphia Union is nearly done. Philadelphia have also secured a sell-on clause — a sign they believe there's more value to come from the 22-year-old.
Derek McInnes doesn't have much time to waste. He inherited a Rangers squad that fell apart in last season's title race, and the gap to Celtic remains real. Bringing in defensive reinforcements was always going to be the priority — a backline that couldn't hold a title challenge together needs serious rebuilding. Makhanya is the latest piece of that project.
What Makhanya actually brings
The numbers from his 2025 MLS campaign make the fee look justifiable. He averaged 6.5 ball recoveries, 4.6 clearances, and 2.3 tackles per 90 — the profile of a defender who works hard in both directions. The standout figure is aerial: 67% of duels won. In a physical league like the Scottish Premiership, that matters.
He also played a role in Philadelphia's Supporters' Shield win that year, finishing as the best regular-season side in MLS. The 2026 season has been a different story — Philadelphia are bottom of the standings after a difficult campaign, and head coach Bradley Carnell has already been shown the door. Makhanya has made 13 appearances this season and kept two clean sheets, but the club's decline makes it a straightforward exit for all involved.
His international profile is still thin. He was in South Africa's World Cup squad but didn't feature across their four matches, and his only senior cap remains a friendly against Nicaragua. At 22, that's not a red flag — it's a baseline. The question is whether McInnes can fast-track his development in a high-pressure environment.
What this means for Rangers' title push
Rangers' defensive odds going into next season have been a concern for anyone watching them closely. A younger, aerially dominant centre-back doesn't fix everything — the Gers still need cohesion across the backline — but Makhanya gives McInnes something to build around.
Celtic remain favourites. Hearts remain competitive. But Rangers are at least answering the right questions this summer, even if the answers won't be confirmed until the season kicks off.
Makhanya may well have already played his last game for Philadelphia. At £3.4 million with a sell-on clause attached, both clubs seem to know exactly what this deal is worth.
