Olwethu Makhanya: South African defender joins Rangers from Philadelphia in €3.6m deal

South African centre-back Olwethu Makhanya has joined Rangers from MLS side Philadelphia on a permanent transfer worth €3.6 million.

The 22-year-old, born in Durban, has signed a contract at Ibrox until 30 June 2030 after two seasons in the United States, where he established himself in Major League Soccer. The move takes him from the MLS Eastern Conference to the Scottish Premiership as he begins his first spell in European football.

Makhanya arrives in Glasgow as a right-footed central defender who has already collected substantial senior experience despite his age. Across league, play-off and cup competitions in North America, he made more than 80 appearances for Philadelphia and their second team, featuring in MLS, MLS Next Pro, the CONCACAF Champions Cup and the US Open Cup. He also lifted the Supporters’ Shield with the club in the 2024-25 campaign.

Before heading to the United States in July 2023 for a €445,000 move, Makhanya played in South Africa’s top flight with Stellenbosch FC, having progressed through Stelllenbosch’s reserve side after an earlier spell with Marumo Reserves. His domestic performances in the Betway Premiership earned him a transfer abroad and a place on a major continental stage.

Standing at 1.85m, Makhanya now swaps MLS for the Scottish Premiership with Rangers, who have secured the defender on a four-year deal following his transfer from Philadelphia.