Rangers eye South African defender Olwethu Makhanya as potential replacement for John Souttar

Scottish giants Rangers have reportedly joined the race for South African-born defender Olwethu Makhanya, with the Philadelphia Union centre-back emerging as a possible target for the Ibrox club this summer.

The highly-rated defender has attracted growing interest from European clubs following a strong spell in Major League Soccer, where he has impressed since making the move from Stellenbosch FC.

Makhanya was part of the Bafana Bafana squad at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where South Africa reached the last-32 stage. Although the young defender did not make an appearance during the tournament, his inclusion in the national team setup highlighted the progress he has made at club level.

The 21-year-old has become one of Philadelphia Union’s promising defensive talents since arriving from Stellenbosch, adapting quickly to the demands of MLS football and earning regular opportunities in the first team.

Since joining the American club, Makhanya has made 53 appearances, gaining valuable experience while showcasing his defensive ability, composure and physical presence against some of the best attackers in North America.

His performances have not gone unnoticed, with several European clubs reportedly monitoring his situation. Rangers are now believed to be among the teams considering a move for the defender as they look to strengthen their backline ahead of the new campaign.

According to reports from Sky Sports, Makhanya could become part of Derek McInnes’ plans at Rangers during the current transfer window.

The Scottish giants are preparing for the possibility of losing central defender John Souttar, who has attracted interest from Leicester City. Should Souttar complete a move away from Ibrox, Rangers are expected to look for a suitable replacement, and Makhanya has emerged as a player who fits the profile they are searching for.

The South African defender’s ability to play out from the back, his pace and his defensive awareness are believed to have caught the attention of Rangers’ recruitment team.

A move to Scotland would represent another major step in Makhanya’s rapidly developing career. After making his name in South Africa with Stellenbosch FC before moving to the United States, a transfer to one of Europe’s traditional giants would provide him with an opportunity to test himself at a higher level.

For Philadelphia Union, losing Makhanya would be a significant blow given his development and importance to their defensive structure. However, interest from European clubs could provide the MLS side with an opportunity to benefit financially from the progress of a player they helped develop.

While no formal agreement has been reached, Rangers’ reported interest adds another chapter to Makhanya’s growing reputation. With the summer transfer window still open, the Bafana Bafana defender could soon be on his way to Europe as he continues his journey towards establishing himself on the international stage.