After falling short in the Scottish Premiership title race last season, there has already been a flurry of transfer activity at Ibrox, with Rangers making five new additions to the squad.
Derek McInnes has strengthened in a number of areas, bringing in goalkeeper Ivor Pandur, centre-back Ben Godfrey on loan from Atalanta, midfielders Cammy Devlin and Dan Neil, while striker Lawrence Shankland arrived from Hearts.
McInnes has been adamant he wants players capable of making an instant impact, saying: “What we need at this moment in time is ready-made, good types of players in the building, players who train right every day, players who have the right approach, that winning mentality, and that leadership quality that every manager looks for in their team.”
Godrey fits the bill, considering the former Everton man has plenty of experience in the Premier League, but the Gers have now set out to sign another defender.
Rangers plotting bid for new centre-back
According to a report from iDiski Times (via Ibrox News), Rangers are now set to make an offer for Philadelphia Union defender Olwethu Makhanya, who was a part of South Africa’s World Cup squad.
Talks have already been held with Makhanya’s agents, but there could be competition for his signature, with clubs from Belgium, France and England also keen.
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Football FanCast’s Verdict |
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Credibility |
It has been widely reported that John Souttar is free to leave Ibrox this month, after making 132 appearances for the Gers since arriving from Hearts in 2022. As such, a replacement will be necessary, and Makhanya could fit the bill, having established himself as a regular starter in the MLS. |
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Finances |
The report states that an unnamed Belgian club had an offer of £3m knocked back for the South African defender, so the Gers’ opening bid may need to be in excess of that to tempt Philadelphia Union into a sale. |
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Insight |
The 22-year-old has made 53 senior appearances for Philadelphia Union since arriving from Stellenbosch FC. During the 2026 MLS campaign, he has averaged 8.6 defensive contributions per 90, which is the second-highest number in the squad. |
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Impact |
The former Stellenbosch man could be brought in as a direct replacement for Souttar. With the former Hearts player in line to leave, Makhanya could partner Godfrey at the heart of defence. |
Why Makhanya is ready for a big move
Former Philadelphia Union coach Bradley Carnell has waxed lyrical about the development his compatriot has made since moving to the MLS, saying last December: “He joined the club about a year-and-a-half ago, and when I arrived, I already understood his qualities. With one of our Argentine signings injured, Olwethu stepped up massively.
“His growth has been incredible – brave, committed, almost like a Zulu warrior. He played big minutes, contributed two goals, and embraced our philosophy fully. It helped that he felt free and supported working with a fellow South African.”
Since then, the one-cap South Africa international has remained a first-team regular for Philadelphia Union, showcasing his skill in possession of the ball by averaging 41.9 accurate passes per 90 in the 2026 MLS season, the most of any player in the squad.
Having proven himself in the MLS, Makhanya could be ready for a big move to Europe, but he would perhaps be a risky signing for Rangers, given that he has no experience in Europe.
