Rangers sign South African defender Olwethu Makhanya from Philadelphia Union
Scottish Premiership club Rangers have completed the signing of 22-year-old South African center-back Olwethu Makhanya from MLS side Philadelphia Union for a fee of around £3 million ($4.5 million). Makhanya, who helped the Union win the 2025 Supporters' Shield and was part of South Africa's 2026 World Cup squad, joins on a four-year contract as Rangers' eighth summer signing. The Union retain a significant sell-on clause.
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Philadelphia Union Transfer Defender Olwethu Makhanya to Rangers FC
The Philadelphia Union have agreed to transfer 22-year-old South African center back Olwethu Makhanya to Scottish club Rangers F.C. Makhanya, who joined the Union in July 2023 as the club's first-ever U22 Initiative signing from Stellenbosch FC, recorded one goal in 42 MLS appearances (36 starts) over the 2025-26 seasons. He helped the Union win the MLS Supporters' Shield in 2025 and was selected for South Africa's World Cup roster earlier in the summer. Union sporting director Jon Scheer praised Makhanya's growth and contributions, calling the move a great opportunity for the defender's continued development. The transfer was finalized on Thursday, July 30, 2026.
South Africa's Olwethu Makhanya Becomes Rangers' Eighth Summer Signing
Rangers have completed the signing of South African defender Olwethu Makhanya from Major League Soccer side Philadelphia Union for an undisclosed fee, making him the club's eighth addition of the summer transfer window. The 22-year-old centre-back, who started his career at Stellenbosch in South Africa, made 53 appearances for Philadelphia after breaking into their first team last year. Makhanya was included in South Africa's 2026 World Cup squad but did not play any minutes at the tournament. He expressed his excitement about fulfilling his dream of playing in Europe. Rangers manager Derek McInnes praised Makhanya's athleticism and potential, stating he believes the defender has the attributes to adapt to Scottish football. The signing comes ahead of Rangers' Scottish Premiership opener against Dundee United on 31 July.
Rangers sign defender Olwethu Makhanya from Philadelphia Union in £3m deal
Rangers have completed the signing of 22-year-old centre-back Olwethu Makhanya from MLS side Philadelphia Union for a fee of around £3 million. The South Africa international, who made 53 appearances for the MLS club, joins on a four-year contract with Rangers holding an option for an additional 12 months. Makhanya is the club's eighth summer signing. Rangers begin their Scottish Premiership campaign at Dundee United on Friday, a match that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
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Rangers closing in on deal to sign Philadelphia Union defender Olwethu Makhanya
Scottish Premiership side Rangers are finalizing a transfer for South Africa international center back Olwethu Makhanya from Major League Soccer's Philadelphia Union. The deal is valued at over $4.5 million (£3.38m) and includes a significant sell-on clause for the Union. Makhanya, 22, was one of MLS's top defenders in 2025, helping the Union win the Supporters' Shield, but did not play in the 2026 World Cup for South Africa. He has been pushing for a European move all summer and did not return to the U.S. after the World Cup. The Union, who are in last place in MLS and recently fired head coach Bradley Carnell, waited until their valuation was met. Rangers have already bolstered their defense this summer with Ben Godfrey (loan from Atalanta) and Ross McCrorie (permanent from Bristol City).
Rangers Close in on Deal for Philadelphia Union Defender Olwethu Makhanya
Scottish Premiership side Rangers are finalizing a transfer for South African international center back Olwethu Makhanya from Major League Soccer's Philadelphia Union. The deal is valued at over $4.5 million (£3.38m) and includes a significant sell-on clause for the Union. Makhanya, 22, was one of MLS's top defenders in 2025, helping the Union win the Supporters' Shield. He has been pushing for a move to Europe all summer and did not return to the U.S. after representing South Africa at the 2026 World Cup, though he did not play in any of the four games. The Union, who are in last place in MLS, have already played their first games without Makhanya since returning from the World Cup break. Rangers have already strengthened their defense this summer with Ben Godfrey (loan from Atalanta) and Ross McCrorie (permanent from Bristol City).
Rangers closing in on deal to sign Philadelphia Union defender Olwethu Makhanya
Scottish Premiership side Rangers are finalizing a deal to sign 22-year-old South African center back Olwethu Makhanya from Major League Soccer's Philadelphia Union. The transfer fee is reported to be over $4.5 million (£3.38m), with the Union retaining a significant sell-on clause. Makhanya, who was part of South Africa's 2026 World Cup squad but did not play, has been pushing for a move to Europe all summer. He broke out as one of MLS's best defenders in 2025, helping the Union win the Supporters' Shield. The Union had previously rejected a bid from a top Belgian club, holding out for a higher valuation. Makhanya did not return to the US after the World Cup and has played his last game for Philadelphia, who are currently in last place in MLS. Rangers have already strengthened their defense this summer with Ben Godfrey (loan) and Ross McCrorie (permanent).