Rangers sign defender Olwethu Makhanya from Philadelphia Union
6 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 30, 2026, 3:07 PM
Last updated Jul 30, 2026
Rangers have signed South African defender Olwethu Makhanya from Philadelphia Union on a four-year contract. Manager Derek McInnes expressed confidence that the 22-year-old can significantly impact the squad, noting his strong and physical presence on the field. Makhanya becomes Rangers' eighth signing this summer as the club prepares for the upcoming season. Discussions surrounding Makhanya's arrival also include considerations about John Souttar's future with the team.
- •Olwethu Makhanya is Rangers' eighth summer signing.
- •He has joined from Philadelphia Union on a four-year deal.
- •Manager Derek McInnes believes he can make a real impact.
- •Makhanya is 22 years old and has previous experience.
- •John Souttar's position at the club is uncertain.
- 3:07 PMYahoo Sports — Rangers signs South Africa defender Makhanya from MLS to challenge title-holding Celtic
- 2:28 PMYahoo Sports — Rangers sign 'strong & confident' defender Makhanya - share your views
- 2:13 PMYahoo Sports — Rangers move a 'dream come true' for South Africa's Makhanya
- 2:03 PMBBC Sport — Rangers move a 'dream come true' for South Africa's Makhanya
"South Africa defender Olwethu Makhanya joined Rangers on Thursday from Major League Soccer club Philadelphia Union as part of a major squad overhaul to catch city rival Celtic. Rangers said it signed the 22-year-old center back on a four-year deal without stating the transfer fee. Makhanya went to the World Cup with South Africa though stayed on the bench for all four games.
"New signing Olwethu Makhanya can "make a real impact" at Rangers, insists manager Derek McInnes. The South Africa defender, 22, has become the club's eighth summer recruit, joining from Philadelphia Union on a four-year contract. "We're really pleased to bring Olwethu to the club," said McInnes.
"South Africa defender Olwethu Makhanya becomes Rangers' eighth summer signing, joining for an undisclosed fee from Philadelphia Union.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJul 30, 2026, 3:07 PMRangers signs South Africa defender Makhanya from MLS to challenge title-holding Celtic
South Africa defender Olwethu Makhanya joined Rangers on Thursday from Major League Soccer club Philadelphia Union as part of a major squad overhaul to catch city rival Celtic. Rangers said it signed the 22-year-old center back on a four-year deal without stating the transfer fee. Makhanya went to the World Cup with South Africa though stayed on the bench for all four games.
- Yahoo SportsJul 30, 2026, 2:28 PMRangers sign 'strong & confident' defender Makhanya - share your views
New signing Olwethu Makhanya can "make a real impact" at Rangers, insists manager Derek McInnes. The South Africa defender, 22, has become the club's eighth summer recruit, joining from Philadelphia Union on a four-year contract. "We're really pleased to bring Olwethu to the club," said McInnes.
- Yahoo SportsJul 30, 2026, 2:13 PMRangers move a 'dream come true' for South Africa's Makhanya
South Africa defender Olwethu Makhanya becomes Rangers' eighth summer signing, joining for an undisclosed fee from Philadelphia Union.
- BBC SportJul 30, 2026, 2:03 PMRangers move a 'dream come true' for South Africa's Makhanya
South Africa defender Olwethu Makhanya becomes Rangers' eighth summer signing, joining for an undisclosed fee from Philadelphia Union.
- Sky Sports—Rangers sign defender Makhanya from MLS
Rangers have completed the signing of centre-back Olwethu Makhanya in a deal worth around £3m.
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