Rangers have unearthed a Premier League star – and a big-money move beckons

Olwethu Makhanya left Philadelphia Union to join Scottish Premiership outfit Rangers in July, and already the South Africa international star is being touted with a big-money move to the Premier League.

Rangers spent an estimated £3.4 million signing Makhanya from the MLS side following the 2026 World Cup, and the 22-year-old has rapidly become earmarked as one of the outstanding defenders in the league.

 

This reputation was cemented by two excellent displays against Celtic in the space of a week, which the Gers won 3-0 and 1-0, turning the early momentum in the title race towards the Ibrox side.

But already there are fears that his stay in Glasgow could be short-lived given just how accomplished his early displays have been.

 

Makhanya is already being tipped for a big move

“Makhanya, I can’t see him being a Rangers player for long. I can’t,” former Rangers midfielder Andy Halliday said in comments relayed by the Evening Times.

“He’s an absolute Rolls-Royce of a defender. Duran tried to roll him twice and we know how quick Duran is. When Hassan comes on, Makhanya goes one vs one with Hassan.

 

“Complete composure on the ball and his goal… Alright it was ruled out and rightfully so it hits his hand, but when it hit the back of the net I couldn’t believe what I was watching.

“I just think he’s been an absolute revelation since he’s come into the side. He’s made Emmanuel Fernandez better alongside him as well.”

 

Makhanya has already drawn Van Dijk comparisons

Fernandez was a player ambitiously linked with a move to Arsenal, but his new colleague already looks the likelier to achieve the type of transfer that Virgil van Dijk made when he left Celtic to join Southampton in 2015 before subsequently becoming a Liverpool legend.

The lapses that the Nigerian has shown have not been visible in Makhanya – at least so far.

Instead, Rangers’ new centre-back, who was part of the South Africa World Cup squad but did not actually play a single game, has appeared strong, quick and composed, willing to take responsibility to carry the ball out of defence. His all-round game has been excellent.