Scottish Premiership side Rangers have continued their aggressive summer transfer activity, announcing the capture of South African center-back Olwethu Makhanya from MLS club Philadelphia Union for an undisclosed transfer fee. The 22-year-old becomes the Glasgow club’s eighth new arrival of the 2025 summer transfer window, penning a four-year contract at Ibrox Stadium that includes an option to extend his stay for an additional 12 months.
Makhanya’s professional journey began at South African domestic side Stellenbosch FC, before he made the move to North America to compete in Major League Soccer. After breaking into Philadelphia Union’s senior first team in 2024, he went on to make 53 appearances for the club, turning heads with consistent defensive performances that caught the eye of both national team selectors and European scouts.
Despite not seeing a single minute of action at the 2026 FIFA World Cup this summer, Makhanya’s strong club form earned him a call-up to South Africa’s final tournament squad, a recognition of his rapid upward trajectory in the sport. For the young defender, the transfer to Rangers marks the fulfillment of a lifelong ambition.
“I can’t even put into words how excited I am right now,” Makhanya said in his first interview as a Rangers player. “It’s such a massive honor and a true blessing to get the chance to join a club this big, with all the incredible history it has. I’ve dreamed of playing in Europe ever since I was a little boy, so this is genuinely a dream come true. I can’t wait to get out on the pitch and get started.”
Rangers manager Derek McInnes has backed the young defender to adapt quickly to the physical, fast-paced style of the Scottish Premiership, ahead of his side’s opening match of the new season against Dundee United at Tannadice Park on 31 July, kicking off at 20:00 BST. McInnes believes Makhanya’s natural attributes set him up to succeed in Scottish football.
“He brings great athleticism and has loads of untapped potential,” McInnes said. “We know he’s moving from MLS to a completely different country and a different style of football, but we’re confident he has all the core qualities needed to adjust and thrive here.”
Fans will be able to follow live commentary of the opening fixture on BBC Sounds, and catch full match highlights via BBC iPlayer after the final whistle. Makhanya’s arrival caps a busy summer of rebuilding for Rangers, which has already seen the club bring in seven new players, and name Lawrence Shankland as the new club captain ahead of the new campaign.