NafisaThe Derek McInnes era is about to enter its first competitive chapter, but behind the scenes the Rangers boss has been working just as hard in the transfer market as he has on the training pitch.
With Friday night’s Premiership opener against Dundee United fast approaching, excitement around Ibrox continues to build.
A new captain has been appointed, several fresh faces have already walked through the door, and supporters have been eagerly waiting to see whether one more piece of business can be completed before the campaign officially gets underway.
McInnes has repeatedly stressed that his squad still needs strengthening, particularly at the back, after a summer that has seen Rangers undergo significant changes following last season’s disappointing finish.
The Light Blues have already invested heavily in rebuilding the squad, but the manager has never hidden the fact that the defensive department remains one of his biggest priorities.
With John Souttar expected to move on and Clinton Nsiala no longer part of the immediate first-team plans, Rangers are desperately short of recognised central defenders.
That has forced the recruitment team to accelerate negotiations over one of their key summer targets, with talks progressing rapidly over the last few days.
Supporters have spent much of the week trying to identify who could become the club’s next arrival, with speculation gathering momentum across social media as Friday’s deadline edges ever closer.
Now, McInnes has effectively confirmed exactly who Rangers are hoping to welcome to Ibrox next.
The Rangers boss revealed that Philadelphia Union defender Olwethu Makhanya is now closing in on becoming the club’s eighth signing of the summer transfer window.
Speaking ahead of the Dundee United clash, McInnes admitted the deal is now at an advanced stage and even hinted that an official announcement could arrive before Rangers kick off their Premiership campaign.
“That’s one that is close,” McInnes said.
“He fits a similar profile to a lot of the business we’ve tried to do – good age, a lot of athleticism and big potential.
“He’s coming from MLS into a different country and style of football, but we believe he has the attributes to cope with that.
“Looking at us defensively, we’re short in numbers, so it was important to act quickly to get one in.
“We probably still need another couple of defenders before the window closes, but getting this one resolved this week, hopefully with an announcement tonight or tomorrow, would be a big step and we’d be delighted.”
The highly-rated South African international has been strongly linked with a move worth around £3 million, and Rangers believe he has all the qualities required to develop into a key player under McInnes.
At just 20 years of age, Makhanya fits perfectly into Rangers’ new recruitment strategy of targeting young, athletic players with significant long-term potential while still being capable of contributing immediately.
Even if the transfer is completed before Friday night’s trip to Tannadice, McInnes has already warned supporters that Rangers’ business is far from over.
The manager openly admitted he wants to bring in at least two more defenders before the transfer window closes, highlighting that the rebuilding process at Ibrox is still very much ongoing.
For now, however, all eyes are firmly fixed on Makhanya, with Rangers hopeful that the next major announcement from Ibrox will arrive sooner rather than later as McInnes looks to hand supporters another huge boost ahead of the new Premiership season.
Nafisa
