Rangers clinch Olwethu Makhanya transfer as fee and contract details revealed

The Ibrox side have paid Philadelphia Union a fee in the region of £3 million for the 23-year-old, who could make his debut in Friday night’s Premiership curtain-raiser should international clearance come in time.

Makhanya becomes Rangers’ eighth signing of the summer transfer window, following goalkeeper Ivan Pandur, fellow centre-half Ben Godfrey, right-back Ross McCrorie, midfielders Cammy Devlin, Dan Neil and Vanja Dragojevic plus striker Lawrence Shankland through the Ibrox entrance door.

“We’re really pleased to bring Olwethu to the club,” said Rangers manager Derek McInnes. “He’s a player we have watched closely, and we feel he has all the attributes to make a real impact here, while also continuing to develop his game.

“For someone so young, he’s already gained experience in different environments. He is a strong, physical and confident defender, and I look forward to seeing him settle into the squad and show what he is capable of as a Rangers player.”

On making the move to Rangers, Makhanya said: “I can't even explain how I am feeling right now, it is honestly a big honour and a huge blessing for me to joins such a big club with so much history. I can't wait to get started.

"For me, it has always been a dream to play football in Europe, ever since I was a kid, so to be here is a dream come true.”

Rangers begin the league campaign at Tannadice on Friday night before facing Polish outfit Jagellonia Bialystock in their Europa League qualifier next week.