Rangers now close to signing £5m star and want deal done within 48 hours
Rangers are now making progress towards signing Philadelphia Union defender Olwethu Makhanya, and they want a deal wrapped up within 48 hours.
Despite adding Ben Godfrey to their ranks, with the defender arriving from Atalanta on a season-long loan, the Gers remain keen on signing another centre-back this summer.
Makhanya has emerged as an option courtesy of his performances in the MLS, with the 22-year-old making 29 appearances in the regular season in 2025, establishing himself as one of Philadelphia Union’s most consistent performers.
An average FotMob match rating of 7.27 was the joint-second highest in the squad, whereas a record of 10.1 defensive contributions per 90 ranked him in first place.
Ex-Philadelphia Union manager Bradley Carnell was left seriously impressed by the progress the South African has made, saying: “His growth has been incredible – brave, committed, almost like a Zulu warrior.”
As such, testing himself in Europe is the next logical step, and a move to Ibrox is starting to look increasingly likely.
Rangers advancing to sign Olwethu Makhanya for Derek McInnes
According to a report from The Scottish Sun, Rangers are now closing in on a deal for Makhanya, with the Philadelphia Union star in line to join for a fee of £5m.
The Gers’ recruitment chiefs are currently engaged in talks to sign the one-cap South Africa international, and they want a deal wrapped up in the next 48 hours.
Derek McInnes is determined to bring in a new centre-back this summer, with John Souttar’s future at Ibrox in doubt, amid interest from Watford and Sheffield United.
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The latest on Olwethu Makhanya’s move to Rangers |
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Rangers close to agreeing fee |
Philadelphia Union had been hoping to receive £6m for their star defender. However, Rangers are prepared to pay £5m, meaning the two clubs aren’t too far apart in their valuations, which means a deal could be agreed in the very near future. |
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Agent talks held |
The Gers have also been in talks with the centre-back’s agents, which suggests progress may have been made when it comes to agreeing personal terms. |
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Recruitment chiefs playing ‘hard ball’ |
The Scottish Premiership giants appear to be in a strong position in the race for Makhanya. However, the report states that recruitment chiefs aren’t prepared to pay more than £5m. As such, there could still be a late hijack if they don’t iron out the final details soon. |
Rangers also ready to wrap up Amario Cozier-Duberry transfer soon
Brighton & Hove Albion winger Amario Cozier-Duberry could be set to arrive at Ibrox at a similar time to Makhanya, as Rangers are ready to wrap up a deal very soon.
The 21-year-old is open to a move to Ibrox, off the back of a very impressive season on loan at Bolton Wanderers in League One, in which he picked up eight goals and 12 assists during the regular season to help fire his side to promotion.
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