Rangers signs South Africa defender Makhanya from MLS to challenge title-holding Celtic
GLASGOW, Scotland (AP) — South Africa defender Olwethu Makhanya joined Rangers on Thursday from Major League Soccer club Philadelphia Union as part of a major squad overhaul to catch city rival Celtic.
Skip to contentBy: The Associated PressPosted:10:08 AM CDT Thursday, Jul. 30, 2026PrintEmailRead LaterGLASGOW, Scotland (AP) — South Africa defender Olwethu Makhanya joined Rangers on Thursday from Major League Soccer club Philadelphia Union as part of a major squad overhaul to catch city rival Celtic. Read this article for free:To continue reading, please subscribe:*First annual payment billed as $205. 00 + GST for one year. This annual subscription will automatically renew at $233. 00 + GST every 52 weeks (10% off the regular annual price of $259. 35). Offer available to new and qualified returning subscribers only. Cancel any time. GLASGOW, Scotland (AP) — South Africa defender Olwethu Makhanya joined Rangers on Thursday from Major League Soccer club Philadelphia Union as part of a major squad overhaul to catch city rival Celtic. Read unlimited articles for free today:GLASGOW, Scotland (AP) — South Africa defender Olwethu Makhanya joined Rangers on Thursday from Major League Soccer club Philadelphia Union as part of a major squad overhaul to catch city rival Celtic. Rangers said it signed the 22-year-old center back on a four-year deal without stating the transfer fee. Makhanya went to the World Cup with South Africa though stayed on the bench for all four games. South Africa lost to co-host Canada in the round of 32. Rangers placed third in the Scottish Premiership last season and has revitalized its squad for new coach Derek McInnes. He led Heart of Midlothian to the brink of the title in May until a last-day loss at Celtic, which has won the league in 14 of the past 15 seasons. Rangers starts the new league season on Friday at Dundee United, then in the Europa League third qualifying round at Jagiellonia Bialystok in Poland next Thursday. ___AP soccer: https://apnews. com/hub/soccerPrintEmailRead Later