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South Africa defender Olwethu Makhanya has become Rangers’ eighth summer signing, joining for an undisclosed fee from Philadelphia Union.<\/b><\/p>\n
The 22-year-old centre-back played for the Major League Soccer side 53 times after breaking into the first team last year.<\/p>\n
He has signed a four-year deal at Ibrox with the option of a further year.<\/p>\n
“I can’t even explain how I am feeling right now, it is honestly a big honour and a huge blessing for me to join such a big club with so much history. I can’t wait to get started,” Makhanya said.<\/p>\n
“For me, it has always been a dream to play football in Europe, ever since I was a kid, so to be here is a dream come true.”<\/p>\n
Makhanya, who started his career with Stellenbosch in his homeland, was rewarded for his impressive club form by being included in South Africa’s 2026 World Cup squad.<\/p>\n
The defender did not play at this summer’s finals, but Rangers boss Derek McInnes feels he has all the tools to thrive in Scotland.<\/p>\n
“He’s got a lot of athleticism and good potential,” McInnes said prior to his side’s Scottish Premiership opener at Dundee United on Friday.<\/p>\n
“And while he’s coming from the MLS, to a different country and a different type of football, we feel he’s got the attributes that can cope with that.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n