Rangers are now close to signing the £5m star and want a deal done within 48 hours
Rangers are now progressing towards signing Philadelphia Union defender Olwethu Makhanya, and want the deal to be completed within 48 hours.
Apart from adding Ben Godfrey to their ranks, with the defender arriving from Atalanta on a season-long loan, the Gers are still keen to sign another defender this summer.
Makhanya emerged as an option due to his play in the MLS, and the 22-year-old played 29 games in the 2025 regular season, establishing himself as one of the most consistent players for the Philadelphia Union.
FotMob’s average game rating of 7.27 was the second highest on the team, while a record 10.1 defensive contributions per 90 put him in first place.
Former Philadelphia Union manager Bradley Carnell was impressed with the South African’s progress, saying: “His growth has been amazing – brave, dedicated, almost like a Zulu warrior.”
So, exploring Europe is the next logical step, and a move to Ibrox is starting to look increasingly likely.
Rangers move forward by signing Olwethu Makhanya for Derek McInnes
According to a report in the Scottish Sun newspaper, Rangers are now closing Makhanya’s deal, with the Philadelphia Union star poised to join them for £5m.
Gers managers are currently busy with negotiations to sign the South African player with one cap, and they want the deal to be completed in the next 48 hours.
Derek McInnes is keen to bring in a new midfielder this summer, with John Souttar’s future at Ibrox in doubt, amid interest from Watford and Sheffield United.
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The latest on Olwethu Makhanya’s move to Rangers |
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The guardians are close to the acknowledgment fee |
The Philadelphia Union were hoping to get £6m for their star defender. However, Rangers are willing to pay £5m, meaning the two clubs are not too far off their mark, meaning a deal could be agreed in the near future. |
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Agent conversations are on hold |
The Gers have also held talks with the full-back’s agents, suggesting there may be progress towards agreeing personal terms. |
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Chiefs players play ‘hard football’ |
These Scottish Premiership bulls seem to have strong chances in Makhanya’s race. However, the report claims that hiring managers are unwilling to pay more than £5m. So, there might be a late hijack if they don’t clarify the final details soon. |
The Rangers are also ready to close the transfer of Amario Cozier-Duberry soon
Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Amario Cozier-Duberry could arrive at Ibrox at the same time as Makhanya, with Rangers poised to seal the deal soon.
The 21-year-old is open to a move to Ibrox, after an impressive season on loan at Bolton Wanderers in League One, where he scored eight goals and provided 12 assists in the regular season to help his side to promotion.
