NafisaRangers supporters have spent the summer watching Derek McInnes tear up the old script at Ibrox.
One by one, new faces have arrived through the doors as the manager continues one of the biggest squad rebuilds the club has seen in years. Yet even after seven signings, McInnes insisted his work was far from finished, making it clear he still wanted more quality before the Premiership opener against Dundee United.
That immediately sparked speculation among supporters.
Behind the scenes, Rangers chiefs continued working around the clock, holding talks over another deal they believed could strengthen one of the squad’s most important areas.
As excitement built across social media, reports suggested the club were edging ever closer to landing another highly-rated international talent.
Now, the wait is finally over.
Rangers have officially announced the completion of another major signing, confirming that Olwethu Makhanya has arrived at Ibrox on a four-year contract, with the club holding the option to extend his stay by a further 12 months.
The 22-year-old defender joins for a fee believed to be in the region of £3 million, becoming Derek McInnes’ eighth signing of an extraordinary summer transfer window.
The South African international arrives in Glasgow carrying huge expectations after forcing his way into his country’s World Cup squad earlier this year, having made his senior international debut in May.
Speaking after completing his move, the defender admitted the transfer fulfils a lifelong ambition.
“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 has been tracking the defender for some time and believes Rangers have secured one of the brightest young talents available.
The Rangers boss said:
“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 signing also comes at the perfect time.
With Rangers preparing for Friday night’s Premiership opener away to Dundee United, McInnes was eager to strengthen his defensive options before the competitive action begins, and the arrival of Makhanya gives him another athletic, physical and composed centre-back capable of competing immediately.
Supporters have flooded social media with excitement following the official announcement, with many believing the latest addition is yet another statement of intent from the new Rangers manager.
After already bringing in Ivor Pandur, Ross McCrorie, Ben Godfrey, Cammy Devlin, Dan Neil, Lawrence Shankland and Vanja Dragojevic, Rangers have now added an eighth signing to what has become one of the busiest and most ambitious transfer windows in the club’s recent history.
And with the transfer window still open, there is growing belief around Ibrox that McInnes and the Rangers board may not be finished just yet.
Nafisa
