South Africa defender Olwethu Makhanya has become Rangers’ eighth summer signing, joining for an undisclosed fee from Philadelphia Union.
The 22-year-old centre-back played for the Major League Soccer side 53 times after breaking into the first team last year.
“I can’t even explain how I am feeling right now, it is honestly a big honour and a huge blessing for me to join such a big club with so much history. I can’t wait to get started,” Makhanya said.
“For me, it has always been a dream to play football in Europe, ever since I was a kid, so to be here is a dream come true.”
Makhanya, who started his career with Stellenbosch in his homeland, was rewarded for his impressive club form by being included in South Africa’s 2026 World Cup squad.
The defender did not play at this summer’s finals, but Rangers boss Derek McInnes feels he has all the tools to thrive in Scotland.
“He’s got a lot of athleticism and good potential,” McInnes said prior to his side’s Scottish Premiership opener at Dundee United on Friday.
“And while he’s coming from the MLS, to a different country and a different type of football, we feel he’s got the attributes that can cope with that.”
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