Rangers Football Club has announced the completion of a transfer for South African centre-back Olwethu Makhanya from Major League Soccer side Philadelphia Union. The 22-year-old defender signed a four-year contract with the Scottish club, with Rangers retaining an option to extend the deal by an additional 12 months. The total transfer fee was reported to be around £3m.
Makhanya becomes Rangers’ eighth signing of the summer transfer window. The defender had made 53 appearances for Philadelphia Union before his move to Scottish football. His transfer had been the subject of earlier reporting, with Sky Sports News revealing his interest to Rangers management earlier in the month.
Following his signing, Makhanya expressed enthusiasm about joining the club, stating that playing in Europe had been a childhood aspiration. Manager Derek McInnes praised the acquisition, noting that the defender’s physical attributes and experience in different competitive environments made him a valuable addition to the squad. McInnes highlighted Makhanya’s strength and confidence as key qualities that should allow him to make an impact at Ibrox.
Rangers previously brought in Vanja Dragojevic, Lawrence Shankland, Cammy Devlin, Ben Godfrey, Ross McCrorie, Dan Neil, and Ivor Pandur during the current transfer window. The club continues to pursue additional signings, with management particularly focused on strengthening attacking options. Coventry City winger Jahnoah Markelo has been identified as a potential target. Defensive reinforcements also remain a priority, with existing squad members such as John Souttar potentially available for departure.
Rangers’ Scottish Premiership campaign was set to commence against Dundee United, with the match scheduled for live television broadcast.
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