Three clean sheets in four matches and a September player of the month award in the Scottish Premiership: South African defender Olwethu Makhanya, who arrived at Rangers this summer, is attracting interest from Brentford, Sunderland and Sevilla FC.
Twelve competitive appearances this season, an individual trophy in September and English scouts in the stands: Olwethu Makhanya’s adaptation to Rangers FC has not gone unnoticed. The 22-year-old South African centre-back, transferred on 30 July 2026 from Philadelphia Union (MLS) for a fee estimated at €3.5 million (£3 million), is now reportedly being monitored by several European clubs, according to Foot Africa and TEAMtalk.
Brentford, Sunderland and Sevilla FC are said to be following his situation, while Bologna are watching him closely in Italy. For now, this is interest reported by the specialist press and fuelled by the player’s performances in the Gers shirt.
Three clean sheets and a trophy
Recognition came quickly. Voted Scottish Premiership player of the month for September 2026, Makhanya guided his defence to three clean sheets in four matches, according to TEAMtalk. Those performances have come alongside the attention he is receiving on the other side of the Channel.
The Bafana Bafana defender, who has four caps for South Africa after being called up for the 2026 World Cup by head coach Hugo Broos, has also been closely watched. Scouts from Brentford and Sunderland were present at Rangers’ 3-1 win over Kilmarnock, TEAMtalk reports.
His profile appeals. According to TEAMtalk’s Frazier Fletcher, “his composure on the ball, his pace and his ability to step into midfield have marked him out as a modern defender”. A senior scout in Spain, meanwhile, praised his athletic profile and his polished distribution, which he deemed perfectly suited to the Liga game.
Rangers under no pressure
At Ibrox, the question of a departure is not on the agenda for now. His contract runs for four years, until June 2030, with an additional one-year option. Rangers are under no financial pressure to sell and would only consider any discussions from the summer of 2027, according to TEAMtalk.
That stance therefore applies both to Bologna’s interest and to that of the English clubs. The centre-back already has twelve competitive appearances this season under Rangers manager Derek McInnes.
What comes next
The 22-year-old is set to face Rangers’ upcoming Scottish Premiership rivals as a starter. Another chance to confirm, in front of the Scottish public, the breakthrough that followed his arrival from MLS.
Premier League scouts are also expected to attend the coming European cup matchdays.