Rangers Close In on Deal for Philadelphia Union Defender Olwethu Makhanya
Rangers are closing in on a deal to sign South Africa international center back Olwethu Makhanya from the Philadelphia Union, sources briefed on the negotiations have confirmed.
The Union are expected to receive a fee north of $4.5 million and will retain a significant sell-on clause. The Rangers Review first reported the advanced talks.
Why Makhanya Is Leaving
Makhanya, 22, has been pushing for a move to Europe all summer. He did not return to the United States after being included in South Africa’s World Cup squad and has effectively played his final game for the Union.
Philadelphia waited until they felt their valuation of the player had been met before progressing the deal. The Athletic previously reported in June that the Union had rejected an offer from a top Belgian club, viewing the bid as well short of their asking price.
A Breakout Season, Then a Difficult 2026
Makhanya was one of the standout defenders in MLS during the 2025 season. His all-action, ground-covering style fit perfectly with the Union’s high-pressing, transition-based approach and helped the team claim the Supporters’ Shield.
He only truly broke into the first team in 2025 after joining the club in the summer of 2023. That rapid rise made him one of the more intriguing young center backs in the league.
The 2026 campaign has been far more difficult for both player and club. Philadelphia entered the World Cup break bottom of the table, and head coach Bradley Carnell was subsequently dismissed. Since the restart, the Union have recorded back-to-back wins while operating without Makhanya.
International Context
Despite being part of South Africa’s World Cup squad, Makhanya did not feature in any of their four matches at the tournament. His sole senior appearance for Bafana Bafana came in a friendly against Nicaragua in May.
Rangers’ Defensive Rebuild
New Rangers manager Derek McInnes, who left Hearts to take the job in June, has already moved to strengthen his back line this summer. The club have brought in Ben Godfrey on a season-long loan from Atalanta and completed the permanent signing of Ross McCrorie from Bristol City.
Makhanya would represent another addition to that defensive group and a clear step up in level for a young player who has impressed in MLS.
The Bottom Line
If completed, the move would mark another example of a promising MLS defender making the jump to Europe after establishing himself in the league. For the Philadelphia Union, it would deliver a solid transfer fee and a sell-on clause after developing the player from a limited role into one of the stronger center backs in the competition.
For Makhanya, it is the European opportunity he has been seeking.