Rangers Warning Regarding Olwethu Makhanya Transfer
September 21, 2026 ·
Alan Hutton has warned Rangers about the potential transfer of Olwethu Makhanya, comparing it to the Jean-Alain Boumsong saga. Makhanya's impressive performances attracted attention, raising concerns about his future at the club.
Rangers Warning Regarding Olwethu Makhanya Transfer
Why this is important
Alan Hutton's warning regarding a potential transfer for Olwethu Makhanya is particularly relevant given Rangers' history with players quickly leaving the club. Makhanya, who recently joined from Philadelphia Union, has shown promising form in the Scottish Premiership, and this could attract the attention of big clubs in England. If Rangers are not careful, they may lose one of their best signings in a short time, similar to the case of Jean-Alain Boumsong.
Background
Olwethu Makhanya, the 24-year-old South African defender, has become an important part of Rangers' defensive plans. Since his arrival from Philadelphia Union, he has adapted well to the Scottish Premiership competition, although he is yet to score a goal or assist. His impressive early form shows great potential in player development at the club, making him a potential target in the transfer market.
Main Points
- Rangers Warning Regarding Transfer of Olwethu MakNYA.
- Alan Hutton warns Rangers about Olwethu Makhanya's potential transfer, comparing it to the Jean-Alain Boumsong saga.
- Rangers Warned Of £8m Transfer Repeat After Defender's Rise: Can They Keep Their Standout?.
Makhanya, a 24-year-old South African defender, has quickly earned an important place in coach Derek McInnes' defensive plans. Hutton, a former Scotland international, explained that Makhanya was one of Rangers' best signings for a long time. He praised Makhanya's ability to adapt quickly to Scottish football, especially after Rangers previously experienced difficulties with players coming from Major League Soccer (MLS).
Since the start of the 2026/27 season, Makhanya has appeared in six Scottish Premier League matches, although he has not scored a goal or provided an assist. However, his initial performance had caught Hutton's attention. He reminded Boumsong, who only lasted six months at Ibrox before being sold to Newcastle United for £8 million. Hutton stressed: "It is a real concern that Maknya is performing so well that someone might come and try to sign him in January, similar to what happened to Boumsong."
Hutton also noted that this is part of the reality of football today, and pointed out that Rangers' business model involves bringing in players, developing them and selling them for a profit. "Unfortunately for Rangers, the big clubs will sign their best players," added Hutton. Despite being aware of the reality, Hutton believes Rangers fans are keen to see Makhanya stay at the club long-term. "But the fans here have wanted to see a player like MakNYA for a long time," he said. "He's still young, so he also wants to improve. This is the initial stage, coming to Europe and showing what he can do."
Hutton hopes Rangers can keep Maknya as McInnes looks to build a team capable of competing for the title. "I hope he stays because I think Rangers are building something good," he said. "I want him to win trophies and win the league, and I'm sure he wants to be part of that too. He's got a lot of time ahead of him, so I don't think he's in any rush to leave, but money talks, unfortunately."
Hutton described Makhanya as one of Rangers' best signings in recent years, praising his ease of adaptation to Scottish football. "He is one of the best signings for Rangers in a long time," he said. "He's come in and adapted perfectly, a little bit under the radar. Rangers haven't had much success with players from MLS, but he's just taken it all easy. He's getting stronger."
Hutton's warning highlights serious questions about Rangers' recruitment strategy. The club needs talented players who can improve results, but these players are also attracting the attention of wealthier teams. Makhanya has recorded six promising league appearances, but these provide limited evidence for long-term assessment. The Rangers will have to evaluate his performance in a wider sample before deeming him an irreplaceable defensive leader.
Nonetheless, Hutton's concerns are worth noting, as the comparison with Boumsong provides a clear financial lesson. A player who performs well can quickly increase his market value, while the club may struggle to replace his contribution in the same season. Therefore, Rangers' sporting priorities must guide any decisions next January. If McInnes continues to build a team capable of competing for titles and lifting trophies, losing a key defender at the center of that project could create serious selection problems.
Hutton believes Makhanya has plenty of time to develop in Europe and does not need to leave too quickly just for the money. This argument makes sense from a football perspective, although the defender and his representatives must consider their own ambitions. Rangers' model of player development and sales for profit, as Hutton acknowledged, cannot be ignored. However, they can still seek a reasonable balance between immediate revenue and sporting progress. For fans, these concerns extend beyond one transfer window. They want to see promising players stick around long enough to contribute to meaningful success at Ibrox. Makhanya's early performances have created those hopes, and Hutton's warning has brought attention to the January question. The next few months will test how Rangers manage a prized young defender, who has quickly become a central part of their plans.
What happened next
With the January transfer window fast approaching, Rangers must consider strategic moves to retain Maknya. The club may need to offer a new contract or increase support for player development in order for Makhanya to feel more attached to the club. If his performance continues to improve, it is likely that clubs from the Premier League will become increasingly interested, so Rangers must be prepared for offers that may come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Olwethu Makhanya?
Olwethu Makhanya is a 24 year old South African defender who currently plays for Rangers.
Where does Olwethu Makhanya come from?
Olwethu Makhanya previously played for Philadelphia Union before joining Rangers.
Why did Olwethu Makhanya choose Rangers?
Makhanya joined Rangers to get the opportunity to play in a more competitive league, namely the Scottish Premier League.
What is Olwethu Makhanya's current transfer status?
Olwethu Makhanya is currently part of the Rangers team and has appeared in six Scottish Premier League matches.
Since when has Olwethu Makhanya played for Rangers?
Olwethu Makhanya has played for Rangers since the start of the 2026/27 season.