NafisaRangers’ summer recruitment drive is showing no signs of slowing down, but while several new faces have already arrived at Ibrox, Derek McInnes and the club’s recruitment team have continued working quietly behind the scenes on strengthening one area that still requires attention.
Defence has remained a priority throughout the transfer window, particularly with uncertainty surrounding the futures of several centre-backs and Rangers looking to build a squad capable of challenging on multiple fronts this season.
Supporters have been eagerly waiting for another breakthrough, and after days of speculation, it now appears the Light Blues are closing in on yet another addition before the window reaches its busiest stage.
According to reports from The Athletic, Rangers are now on the verge of completing the signing of Olwethu Makhanya from MLS side Philadelphia Union.
The 22-year-old South African defender is expected to arrive in a deal worth around £3.38 million, although negotiations have centred on Philadelphia’s insistence that a significant sell-on clause is included as part of the agreement.
The American club are believed to view Makhanya as one of their brightest young assets and want to protect themselves should his value increase significantly during his time in Europe.
Despite that sticking point, talks have progressed positively, with Rangers increasingly confident of getting the transfer over the line.
Makhanya arrives with an impressive reputation after establishing himself as one of Major League Soccer’s standout young defenders.
During the 2025 campaign, he made 32 league appearances, helped Philadelphia Union keep 15 clean sheets, and played a key role as the club lifted the Supporters’ Shield.
His commanding displays, aerial dominance and composure on the ball earned widespread praise, with many viewing him as one of the most promising young centre-backs in MLS.
Last season proved more difficult for both player and club.
Philadelphia struggled near the foot of the table, while Makhanya featured just 13 times, playing 1,170 minutes before leaving to represent South Africa during the international break surrounding the FIFA World Cup.
Reports suggest the defender did not return to Philadelphia afterwards as he looked to secure his long-awaited move to European football.
For Rangers, the transfer represents another investment in youth with significant long-term upside.
McInnes has already made strengthening his defence a major priority this summer, particularly with continued speculation surrounding John Souttar’s future and limited experienced cover behind Ben Godfrey and Emmanuel Fernandez.
Makhanya’s profile appears to fit exactly what Rangers have been targeting throughout this transfer window – young, athletic, physically dominant and capable of improving further under the club’s coaching staff.
At just 22 years of age, he already possesses valuable first-team experience and international exposure, while his performances during Philadelphia’s outstanding 2025 campaign demonstrated his ability to thrive in a demanding, competitive environment.
Should Rangers finalise the deal in the coming days, many supporters will view the reported £3.38 million fee as excellent business, particularly if the South African defender can reproduce the form that first attracted attention from clubs across Europe.
With negotiations now entering their final stages, Rangers appear increasingly close to adding another highly-rated young talent to Derek McInnes’ growing squad ahead of the new season.
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