How Olwethu Makhanya's Rangers form has already sparked transfer talk back in South Africa

Olwethu Makhanya has taken Rangers and the Scottish Premiership by storm.

The South African defender has proven to be an excellent buy so far for the Bears from Philadelphia Union.

In September, the 22-year-old was named the Scottish Premiership's player of the month, further highlighting the impact he has had.

Rangers' summer signing has also reaped the rewards at Ibrox, by maintaining his place in South Africa's team in the international break.

He had been selected for the first time back in May ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

And while the Ibrox faithful are already becoming endeared to Makhanya, the media in the African nation are seemingly doing the same.

What has been said about Rangers' Olwethu Makhanya in South Africa?

When Rangers scoop up an excellent signing, there is always talk about that player's future.

It was seen with Emmanuel Fernandez last season, and now the same is beginning to happen with Makhanya under Derek McInnes.

Soccer Laduma, South Africa's biggest football publisher, is now already mooting Makhanya's possible next steps, just a couple of months after he arrived in Glasgow, following the last two games against Celtic.

They shared via their print edition on 8 October: "Those performances against the Old Firm giants have cemented his status among the Rangers faithful and earned widespread praise from Scottish football pundits.

"His impressive form suggests another move to an even bigger club or league could be on the horizon."

Rangers fans will certainly hope that is not the case, at least not in the immediate future.

The 22-year-old does have a four-year contract, so Rangers will not be bullied or pressured into a quick sale anytime soon.

But the reaction from South Africa will please the transfer chiefs at Ibrox, as it is further proof of their ability in identifying ready-made signings.

How has Makhanya already not helped Rangers' cause?

Makhanya, like every football player, has dreams, and unfortunately, he has already recently admitted his dream will take him away from Ibrox.

In an interview with South Africa's Idiski Times back in September, he revealed his dream is to play in one of the top five European leagues.

At 22, though, Makhanya still has plenty of time to have a long-standing impact in Glasgow, while also getting that opportunity he desires, should he continue this form.

But before then, fans will be hoping he helps add plenty more titles to the Rangers cabinet.