Rangers transfer concern grows as reports claim European leagues are monitoring Olwethu Makhanya, although no club has been named.
The 22-year-old centre-back arrived from Philadelphia Union for a reported £3m fee and signed an initial four-year contract, with Rangers holding an option for another season. Makhanya has since become a regular for Derek McInnes, showing the pace, strength and composure that attracted the club.
His biggest statement came against Celtic . Makhanya produced an assured display in the 3-0 League Cup victory at Ibrox, prompting McInnes to describe him as "sensational" and "almost faultless" since joining the club. He then impressed again as Rangers won 1-0 at Celtic Park, helping complete consecutive Old Firm victories.
That run has increased attention around a defender with MLS experience. Philadelphia Union gave Makhanya senior exposure, while South Africa selected him for the 2026 World Cup squad. The call-up added another marker to his profile.
Reports from Glasgow World claim clubs in the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga and Ligue 1 are watching Makhanya. However, the report names no interested club and provides no evidence of an offer, so Rangers should treat the claims as interest rather than an active transfer battle.
His four-year deal plus an option gives Rangers room to negotiate next summer. His £3m arrival fee could look modest if he maintains his current level, especially if he adds European experience.
For now, selling would make little sense. McInnes has built a settled partnership between Makhanya and Emmanuel Fernandez, and that pairing has helped Rangers produce strong defensive displays against Celtic.
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)
Only a huge offer should change the calculation. Rangers need Makhanya for the title fight, and replacing a young centre-back who already understands McInnes' system would carry its own risk.
Premier League interest could give the club useful leverage in future negotiations if several leagues genuinely keep watching. Yet unnamed sources cannot set a transfer value, and agent talk can inflate expectations around wages or a possible move.
A strong season should increase Makhanya's value, rather than trigger a sale. Rangers can review the situation in January, consider improved terms if his form continues, and demand a fee several times higher than the £3m invested. Until then, McInnes needs his centre-back focused on defending, not transfer noise.
