Bafana defender closing in on move to Europe?

Bafana Bafana defender Olwethu Makhanya is on the verge of joining Scottish giants Rangers from Philadelphia Union according to Tom Bogert of The Athletic.

The two clubs have reportedly agreed on a transfer fee north of $4.5m (R75 million), with the Major League Soccer (MLS) outfit retaining a significant sell-on clause.

Makhanya is said to have boycotted training following South Africa's exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup in a bid to force a move to Scotland after several bids were rebuffed.

Now, the player looks set to realize his dream of plying his trade in Europe, having signed for Philadelphia Union from Stellenbosch FC in July 2023.

Notably, the Bafana international still has a contract that runs until December 2027 at the MLS side as he penned an extension in November last year.

The 22-year-old centre-half has made a total of 53 appearances across all competitions for the Union senior team, and played 31 matches for the reserve side.

He helped his team lift the Supporters' Shield in the 2024/25 campaign under the tutelage of compatriot Bradley Carnell, who was sacked in May.

Whether the transfer of Makhanya to Ibrox Stadium will go through remains to be seen, with the deal subject to medical checks and final formal steps.

Hlayisani Magoro

Editorfr, en

Football journalist from South Africa covering African football news, exclusive stories and key events while sharing insights with passionate fans of the game.

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