Rangers transfer target goes AWOL over 'broke promise' as he takes action after rejected summer bid
MLS star has reportedly made it clear he ‘wants to leave’
Rangers transfer target Olwethu Makhanya hasn’t reported back to Philadelphia Union - as he reportedly felt the club broke a ‘promise’ by rejecting a bid for him.
The 22-year defender represented his native South Africa at the World Cup, where they were eliminated by Canada in the round of 32 on June 28. As Union players now return to training, Makhanya has went AWOL amid interest from Rangers, as well as an unnamed Belgian club who’ve tabled a bid.
It is understood that the centre back is keen on a move to Europe and isn’t happy with the way his current employers are going about their business. Makhanya has made 44 MLS appearances since signing from South African side Stellenbosch in 2023.
Rangers target goes AWOL after ‘broke promise’
According to MLS insider Tom Bogert: “Olwethu Makhanya hasn't returned to the Philadelphia Union as he wants to leave. Makhanya believes club broke promise to let him go to Europe if offer came. Philly rejected a bid from Belgium. Philly insists it was a general ‘if an offer makes sense, we'll do it’. Club believes value wasn't met. Rangers reached out to Philly and Makhanya's camp but nothing advanced.”
The Derek McInnes revolution is continuing at Ibrox ahead of the season ahead, which gets underway against Dundee United at Tannadice on July 31. The new Gers gaffers has put his stamp on the team already with multiple new signings, but has identified central defence as an area in particular which needs strengthening.
What is Rangers’ position on Makhanya?
No formal bid or advanced talks have been made yet between Rangers and Philadelphia Union as the Light Blues still have work to do regarding a potential transfer. The MLS side are reportedly looking for more than £3m for the defender, which was around the figure of the rejected bid.
McInnes has already enlisted Atalanta defender Ben Godfrey on loan from the Serie A, but is yet to make any permanent signings at the back. Current stalwart John Souttar looks like he could be headed for the exit door, with growing interest from English sides Leicester City and Sheffield United.