Rangers closing in on Philadelphia Union defender Olwethu Makhanya | OneFootball

Rangers are on the verge of completing the signing of South African defender Olwethu Makhanya from Philadelphia Union, according to The Athletic.

Rangers have agreed to pay around £3.4 million for the 22-year-old centre-back, with Philadelphia also securing a sizeable sell-on clause as part of the agreement.

The Gers have been one of the most active Scottish clubs in the transfer market this summer.

They’re working on revamping a squad that crashed out of the title race last season as they look to close the gap on fierce rivals Celtic and Hearts of Midlothian.

Bringing in defensive reinforcements is very much at the top of Rangers’ to-do list this summer, and their move for Makhanya proves they’re not afraid to splash the cash.

New manager Derek McInnes has been tasked with returning Rangers to the top of Scottish football after coming agonisingly close with Hearts, and Makhanya is seen as a player who can elevate the backline.

Makhanya had an impressive 2025 campaign in Major League Soccer (MLS) and has been pushing for a move to a top club in Europe.

He played a key role in helping Philadelphia claim the Supporters’ Shield after finishing with the best regular-season record.

However, the past year has been far more challenging for both player and club.

Philadelphia struggled throughout the 2026 season and entered the league’s World Cup break at the bottom of the standings, leading to the departure of head coach Bradley Carnell.

While they have shown signs of improvement since returning to action with consecutive victories, Makhanya may have already played his final match for the club.

He made 13 appearances so far and has helped to keep two clean sheets. He has also won half his ground duels and a staggering 67% of his aerial battles.

The South African defender also averaged 1.2 interceptions, 2.3 tackles, 6.5 ball recoveries, and 4.6 clearances per 90 minutes in the MLS.

Makhanya was part of South Africa’s World Cup squad, although he failed to make an appearance during the nation’s four matches at the tournament.

His only senior international cap remains the friendly against Nicaragua earlier this year.