Rangers could be sitting on a major transfer profit after 22-year-old summer signing Olwethu Makhanya produced an assured display in his first Old Firm derby, according to an exclusive Ibrox News report.
Signed from Philadelphia Union for around £3m on a four-year contract, the South African centre-back helped Rangers beat Celtic 3-0 in the Premier Sports Cup quarter-final at Ibrox. He formed a composed partnership with Emmanuel Fernandez , dealt with Celtic 's attacking threat, and showed the calm passing and strong tackling that encouraged Rangers to invest in him.
Daily Record journalist Andy Newport, speaking on Hotline Live on September 13, was particularly impressed. He said Rangers had signed Makhanya for £3m and suggested the club could sell him for "multiple times" that fee if his progress continues. Newport called him a "proper classy operator", while the report points to Calvin Bassey 's £20m move to Ajax as an example of the type of value Rangers could eventually chase.
"Makhanya at the back. I mean, wow, that guy. I think it's £3m Rangers signed him for.
"If he carries on like this, they're going to make that multiple times because he's a proper classy operator."
There is more substance here than one impressive derby. Makhanya arrived from MLS after a demanding 2025 campaign in which he made 34 appearances, started 32 matches, played 2,890 minutes and recorded 44 interceptions, alongside a 61.2% defensive duel success rate. That profile is important because Rangers needed greater composure when opponents press high.
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – SEPTEMBER 09: Olwethu Makhanya of Rangers is seen during the William Hill Premiership 2026/27 match between Glasgow Rangers and St. Mirren at Ibrox Stadium on September 09, 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
His skill set gives Derek McInnes another route out from the back, and that variety could become especially valuable in tight league matches. Makhanya can receive under pressure, play vertical passes and step into midfield when space opens, which can help Rangers escape pressure rather than simply clear their lines.
That target looks ambitious, yet the argument has a sensible base. Makhanya has quickly earned a regular role, and his partnership with Fernandez can give Rangers a more mobile centre-back pairing. His aerial strength and disciplined defending against Celtic added another factor, while his ability on the ball can help free Dujon Sterling and Tuur Rommens to attack with greater confidence.
Rangers paid £3m for potential rather than a finished product. The key now is consistency across the full season. One derby cannot set his market value, but a sustained run of starts, strong European displays and further South African recognition could push that figure much higher. For a club that have already benefited from Bassey's major resale, the financial appeal is obvious.
