Wolverhampton Wanderers were one of several clubs interested in 22-year-old South African Centre-Back Olwethu Makhanya this summer, and Middlesbrough, another Championship club hoping for promotion, was also interested in the defender. It was also believed that KAA Gent and RB Salzburg had been following the player, who ultimately transferred to Rangers from Philadelphia Union for £3 million. The American club had initially sought a higher fee, but the player's desire for the move helped secure an agreement.
A previous potential transfer to Genk had failed to happen due to a disagreement between the player's representatives and the Union over an arrangement concerning a European move. The defender, who has one cap for South Africa, signed a contract with Rangers until June 30, 2030. His current market value, according to Transfermarkt, is €2.00m. In July 2026, reports suggested Philadelphia Union's asking price was £6 million and that the club had previously turned down an offer of more than €3.5 million from a Belgian club.
