Rangers Closing In on £5M Deal for Top Target Olwethu Makhanya

With Derek McInnes having announced Rangers' transfer plans, the club are now reportedly close to sealing a move for Philadelphia Union centre-back Olwethu Makhanya.

The manager has been keen on adding another defender to his squad before the start of the Scottish Premiership season.

Likewise, Makhanya has emerged as the Gers' leading target at the back. He was linked with the Light Blues earlier this month and might well be on his way to Ibrox now.

According to The Scottish Sun, the management are in deep talks with Philadelphia over a transfer.

The MLS side have been demanding a fee of £6m. However, the reports insist that McInnes' side is hoping to reach an agreement at their price within the next 48 hours.

A prospective deal of around £5m seems to be the case at the moment, although the agreement still isn't in place.

The negotiations are in the advanced stages, but the final say is yet to be made by either side.

A tall, right-footed defender, Makhanya joined Philadelphia from South African side Stellenbosch in July 2023.

He went on to establish himself in Union's first team during the 2025 campaign after starting 23 games and totalling 29 appearances.

Union's backline conceded only 35 goals during that season, winning the Supporters' Shield in the process.

Makhanya was subsequently placed in the 13th position in MLS' 2025 22 Under 22 ranking. With a contract expiring at the end of that season, Union didn't waste time in extending his stay by exercising a two-year option.

Now, the 22-year-old centre-back is tied to the MLS side through the 2027 season. Likewise, Philadelphia are in a strong negotiating position for their coveted youngster.

Makhanya made his senior international debut against Nicaragua in a friendly before the 2026 World Cup.

He was also part of the quadrennial tournament despite not being used in any of his country's four games.

Nevertheless, former Philadelphia sporting director Ernst Tanner has described Makhanya as an "athletic, explosive" centre-back.

The South African international is also capable of playing in either a back four or a back three, according to Tanner.

Regardless, McInnes will enter the Premiership with his wishes fulfilled if Rangers succeed in signing the 22-year-old centre half.

Despite adding Ben Godfrey to the squad, the Scottish manager remains keen on having multiple options in the back.

The Belgian side Genk had also submitted a bid worth around £3m, according to reports. However, Rangers seem to have left their European counterpart behind with a higher offer.