NafisaDerek McInnes promised Rangers supporters that this summer would be about action rather than words, and with the new season just around the corner, the Ibrox boss continues to back that promise with another eye-catching addition.
After overseeing one of the biggest squad rebuilds in recent memory, McInnes has shown no intention of slowing down. Fresh faces have arrived across the pitch, experienced players have been brought in to raise standards, and supporters have been left wondering who would be next to join the growing list of new arrivals.
The excitement only intensified over the past few days.
Negotiations had been progressing behind the scenes, with Rangers determined to strengthen an area McInnes believes is crucial if his side are to compete at the highest level this season.
With the Premiership opener fast approaching, fans sensed another announcement was only a matter of time.
Now, Rangers have made it official.
The Light Blues have confirmed the signing of Olwethu Makhanya, with the South African defender joining the club on a four-year contract, while Rangers also hold the option to extend his stay by a further 12 months.
The 22-year-old arrives at Ibrox for a fee believed to be around £3 million, becoming the eighth signing of McInnes’ remarkable summer rebuild.
Makhanya has quickly established himself as one of South Africa’s brightest defensive prospects and earned a place in his country’s 2026 FIFA World Cup squad after making his senior international debut earlier this year.
Speaking after completing the move, the defender could barely hide his excitement.
“I can’t even explain how I am feeling right now, it is honestly a big honour and a huge blessing for me to join such a big club with so much history. I can’t wait to get started.
“For me, it has always been a dream to play football in Europe, ever since I was a kid, so to be here is a dream come true.”
McInnes believes Rangers have secured a player with both immediate quality and enormous long-term potential.
“We’re really pleased to bring Olwethu to the club. He’s a player we have watched closely, and we feel he has all the attributes to make a real impact here, while also continuing to develop his game.
“For someone so young, he’s already gained experience in different environments. He is a strong, physical and confident defender, and I look forward to seeing him settle into the squad and show what he is capable of as a Rangers player.”
The latest arrival further underlines the scale of the rebuild taking place at Ibrox.
Makhanya joins a growing list of summer additions that already includes Ivor Pandur, Ross McCrorie, Ben Godfrey, Cammy Devlin, Dan Neil, Lawrence Shankland and Vanja Dragojevic, giving Rangers supporters plenty of reasons for optimism ahead of the new campaign.
With the trip to Dundee United marking the start of the Premiership season, McInnes appears determined to ensure his squad is fully equipped for the challenges ahead.
The Rangers boss has repeatedly stressed that standards must rise across the club, and the arrival of another young international defender reflects that ambition.
Whether this proves to be Rangers’ final piece of business remains to be seen, but one thing is becoming increasingly clear: McInnes is wasting no time stamping his authority on the squad, and the Light Blues head into the new season looking stronger than they did just a few months ago.
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