Overview
- UK outlets reported that Rangers have shown interest in signing Olwethu Makhanya from MLS side Philadelphia Union during the current summer window.
- South African and UK reports say Philadelphia have turned down an offer above €3.5 million from an unnamed Belgian club and that the player has been left "devastated," though the club has not publicly confirmed the bids.
- Makhanya is a 22-year-old South Africa international who became a regular at Philadelphia after joining in 2023 and helped them win the 2025 Supporters’ Shield.
- Fotmob data cited in coverage shows strong 2026 per-90 numbers for Makhanya for long balls, duels won and recoveries, statistics supporters and scouts point to when judging his suitability for the Scottish game.
- Any Rangers approach is reported to be conditional on outgoing business, notably the future of John Souttar, and the move faces visible fan scepticism because previous MLS recruits at Rangers have failed to meet expectations.