Former Rangers full-back Alan Hutton has warned the club about a possible repeat of the Jean-Alain Boumsong transfer saga, according to the Daily Record, as relayed by the Glasgow Times .
Hutton fears English clubs could target Olwethu Makhanya during the January transfer window after his impressive arrival from Philadelphia Union . The 24-year-old South African defender has quickly earned a prominent role in Derek McInnes's defensive plans.
The former Scotland international described Makhanya as one of Rangers ' best signings in a long time. He praised the defender's smooth adaptation to Scottish football, particularly after Rangers experienced limited success with previous MLS arrivals.
Makhanya has made six Scottish Premiership appearances during the 2026/27 season, although he has yet to register a goal or assist. His early performances have nevertheless attracted attention from Hutton.
The former full-back recalled Boumsong's brief spell at Ibrox. Rangers sold the French defender to Newcastle United for £8 million after only six months, creating a lasting example of how quickly a successful signing can leave.
Hutton said: "It's a real concern that Makhanya is doing so well that somebody might come in and try to pinch him in January, similarly to what happened with Boumsong."
He acknowledged that this is "part and parcel of football these days" and pointed out that Rangers' model involves bringing in players, developing them, and moving them on for profit.
"Unfortunately for Rangers, the bigger clubs are going to pinch their best players," Hutton added.
Despite acknowledging the reality of modern football, Hutton believes Rangers supporters will be desperate to see Makhanya remain at the club for the long term. "But the fans here want to see guys like Makhanya long-term," he said.
"He's only young himself, so he'll want to develop too. This is the first stage in that, coming over to Europe and showing what he's capable of."
Hutton hopes Rangers can keep hold of the defender as McInnes looks to build a team capable of challenging for major honours. "I hope he stays because I think Rangers are building something," he said.
"I think we're starting to see signs of it under Derek McInnes. I want him to go and lift silverware and win the league and all these things, and I'm sure he wants to be part of that going forward.
"He has so much time on his side, I don't think he needs to jump ship too early, but money talks, unfortunately."
The former full-back went on to describe Makhanya as one of Rangers' best signings in recent years, praising the ease with which he has adapted to Scottish football.
"He's been one of the best signings for Rangers for a long time," Hutton said. "He's come in and settled in seamlessly, a bit under the radar. Rangers haven't had much success recently with guys coming in from MLS, but he's just taken everything in his stride.
"He's gone from strength to strength."
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)
Hutton's warning raises a genuine question about Rangers' recruitment strategy. The club need talented players who can improve their results, yet those same players can attract attention from wealthier teams.
Makhanya's six league appearances offer an encouraging start, but they provide limited evidence for a long-term judgement. Rangers should assess his performances across a wider sample before treating him as an irreplaceable defensive leader.
Still, Hutton's concerns deserve attention because the Boumsong comparison poses a clear financial lesson. A player who performs well can increase his market value quickly, while a club may struggle to replace his contribution during the same season.
Rangers' sporting priorities should therefore guide any January decision. If McInnes continues building a team capable of challenging for the league title and lifting silverware, losing an important defender midway through that project could create a serious selection problem.
Hutton believes Makhanya has plenty of time to develop in Europe and doesn't need to leave early for money. That argument makes sense from a footballing perspective, although the defender and his representatives must consider their own ambitions.
Rangers' model involves developing players and selling them for profit, as Hutton acknowledged. The club can't ignore that financial reality, but they can still seek a sensible balance between immediate income and sporting progress.
For fans, the concern goes beyond one transfer window. They want to see promising players remain long enough to contribute to meaningful success at Ibrox. Makhanya's early performances have created that expectation, and Hutton's warning has brought the January question into focus.
The next few months will test how Rangers manage a valuable young defender who has quickly become central to their plans.
