Olwethu Makhanya twist proves why Rangers are now miles closer to deal after Philadelphia approach

Rangers could have a damsel in distress awaiting an Ibrox transfer rescue in Olwethu Makhanya.

Gers have already strengthened in central defence this summer, with the arrival of Ben Godfrey on a season-long loan deal from Atalanta.

However, with the future of John Souttar seemingly away from Ibrox, Derek McInnes may need further reinforcements in this department.

Makhanya has been widely linked with a move to Rangers this summer, as the 22-year-old Philadelphia Union defender continues to impress in Major League Soccer (MLS).

The South African international didn't enjoy a World Cup campaign to remember though, as he failed to play a single minute as his nation exited the tournament in the round of 32.

But, this summer could still be a landmark one as far as his club career is concerned, with a move to Europe, and possibly even Govan, on the cards.

Why Olwethu Makhanya is far from happy with Philadelphia Union

Ibrox News has been following reports that Makhanya was recently absent from training with Philadelphia, prompting speculation to start over his potential unhappiness there.

Now that notion has been firmly solidified, as an X post from The Athletic writer and MLS insider Tom Bogert reveals.

Bogert claims that Makhanya hasn't returned to Philadelphia Union and now is demanding to leave the MLS outfit.

It's stated that Makhanya feels as though Union broke a promise to him about letting him leave for Europe if an offer arrived this summer, with Philadelphia understood to have rejected an approach from a Belgian team.

However, Bogert claims that Philadelphia are insisting that their stance has been that they'd only sell Makhanya to Europe if an offer made sense for them, and not simply accepting the first bid they received.

Union are claimed to have felt as though this Belgian bid didn't meet their asking price, and thus the defender wasn't sold.

Bogert ends his report by claiming that Rangers have indeed made contact with Union over a potential transfer, but that nothing is at an advanced stage right now.

If Rangers do provide Makhanya with the European home he's dreaming of, then there's clear proof in his numbers that McInnes would be signing one of MLS's very best defenders.

Where Makhanya has led MLS centre-backs in 2026

At only 22-years old, to have already racked up over 50 competitive senior appearances for Philadelphia Union and been involved at a World Cup with South Africa is impressive.

Makhanya may be young, but his MLS numbers prove that he's a mature defender beyond his years, and would be more than ready to handle the Scottish Premiership.

As per FotMob, in just 13 MLS games in 2026 so far, no centre-back has won more tackles (30) or made more recoveries (85) than Makhanya.

Meanwhile, his six chances created rank him in the top 2.4 per cent of his positional rivals across the pond, whilst his 69 duels won and 23 touches in the opposition box place him in the leading 3.2 percentile.

On top of these, the former Stellenbosch FC talent has made 112 defensive contributions, played 43 accurate long balls, won 32 aerial duels and has made 60 clearances, all of which rank him amongst the very best in his position.

It's all there for Rangers to get a deal done for a top young defender who wants to leave, explicitly for Europe, and has already been subject of Gers contact.