Rangers fans say the same thing about signing Olwethu Makhanya

Rangers may not be finished with reinforcing their backline as they eye a deal for South Africa international Olwethu Makhanya.

The 22-year-old currently plays in the MLS for Philadelphia Union, with the Gers reportedly interested in signing the centre-back.

Derek McInnes wants to add another centre-back to his squad this summer, and a move for Makhanya is under consideration.

However, the Ibrox faithful are not keen on the move after a series of flops arriving at the club from the MLS.

Previously, players such as Jose Cifuentes have moved to Rangers from the USA and had no success.

Now, there are fears that this could be repeated if a deal for Makhanya is completed in the coming weeks.

Rangers fans do not want Olwethu Makhanya to be signed 

Makhanya has been a hit in the MLS since he arrived in 2023.

The defender has established himself as a key player for Philadelphia and won the Supporters’ Shield in 2025.

Nevertheless, when Sky Sports reported that Rangers were eyeing a deal for the defender, Rangers fans were not supportive.

In fact, many took to X to complain about the potential deal, and insisted that the Gers should move on to other targets rather than sign the centre-back.

How good is Makhanya?

Despite Rangers’ fans reservations about the potential signing, Makhanya has plenty of good stats in the MLS from the 2026 season which may prove he could be an asset at Ibrox.

According to Fotmob on 14 July, the defender has averaged 3.31 successful long balls, 0.46 chances created, 0.38 successful dribbles, 5.31 duels won, 2.46 aerial duels won, 2.31 tackles and 6.54 recoveries per 90 minutes in the US top-flight.

As a result, not only can the defender be a brick wall at the back, but he can also influence the attacking side of the game.

However, the Scottish Premiership can be a different monster, and it could prove to be difficult for Makhanya to improve on or even replicate these stats in Scotland if Rangers were to bring in the centre-back.

Nevertheless, it remains to be seen if the Gers do sign the 22-year-old over the coming weeks as McInnes looks to lift the Scottish Premiership title in the 2026-27 campaign.