Rangers face no immediate pressure to sell centre-back Olwethu Makhanya over the next 12 months, yet the 22-year-old South African international continues to attract significant attention from Italian and Spanish clubs. Brentford and Sunderland both had representatives watching Rangers' recent victory against Kilmarnock, signalling English Premier League interest in the defender. Since joining from Philadelphia Union in July, Makhanya has made 11 appearances for Rangers and was named Scottish Premiership Player of the Month for September.
The defender's rapid rise at Ibrox has not gone unnoticed across Europe. Bologna and Sevilla are among the European sides monitoring his progress, with his summer transfer from the Philadelphia Union reportedly valued at approximately £3 million. His emergence as a key player has coincided with Rangers' strong domestic form, with the club reaching the top of the Scottish Premiership table by 14 October 2026, one point clear of Celtic after six consecutive league victories.
What makes Makhanya stand out?
Makhanya and fellow summer signing Vanja Dragojevic have been identified as the Rangers players with the greatest potential in a new analysis by TransferRoom, a platform that provides clubs with live market intelligence to support their recruitment strategies. The recognition underscores the quality of Rangers' summer recruitment and suggests both players could command significant transfer fees should the club decide to sell in future windows.
Who else is attracting attention?
Former Rangers youth winger Josh McPake has impressed since joining Heart of Midlothian, with his recent performances earning him a Scotland call-up. His resurgence came after discussions with Hearts head coach Wouter Vrancken regarding his earlier omission from the club's European squad selection. Meanwhile, Rangers academy centre-half David Odunukan, who was born in London but relocated to Scotland as an infant, is being considered for an England call-up despite having participated in Scotland Under-16 training camps at age 15.
At Dundee, new head of academy Paul McDonald is working to prevent the loss of emerging talent following the departure of centre-half Luke Graham. Graham had been with St Johnstone before Dundee signed him, only for the Perth club to sell him to Stoke City for £2 million during the summer transfer window. McDonald's appointment reflects Dundee's determination to develop and retain their academy prospects.
What about Celtic's European prospects?
Former striker Chris Sutton has dismissed suggestions that Celtic should abandon their Europa League campaign this season, expressing confidence in the club's ability to compete at the highest level. Sutton has also backed misfiring striker Kasper Hogh to deliver a strong performance in the upcoming fixture against Benfica, believing the forward can rise to the occasion in European competition despite recent domestic struggles.
Other transfer developments
Former Celtic, Hibernian and Scotland forward Derek Riordan has disclosed that Rangers twice attempted to sign him during his career, but the Ibrox club declined to meet his financial demands on both occasions. The revelation offers insight into Rangers' recruitment approach during Riordan's playing days and the financial constraints that shaped their transfer strategy at that time.
Injury update
Rangers defender Dujon Sterling has been cleared by the club's medical team to feature in the upcoming match against Dundee on Saturday following an illness that kept him sidelined before the recent victory over Kilmarnock. His return to fitness strengthens Rangers' defensive options as they continue their strong league campaign.
Policing football violence
Police Scotland is actively evaluating the deployment of facial recognition technology as a tool to combat football-related violence, according to the country's senior police officer. The potential use of such technology reflects ongoing efforts to enhance safety at Scottish football grounds and reduce incidents of disorder.
What happens next
Rangers are scheduled to face Dundee at Dens Park on 17 October 2026 at 20:00, with Sterling's availability adding depth to their squad selection for the fixture.
Key Facts
- Makhanya has made 11 appearances for Rangers since his summer arrival and was named Scottish Premiership Player of the Month for September
- Italian clubs Bologna and Sevilla, along with English sides Brentford and Sunderland, are monitoring the 22-year-old defender
- Rangers reached the top of the Scottish Premiership on 14 October 2026 after six consecutive league wins, one point ahead of Celtic
- Makhanya and Vanja Dragojevic have been identified as Rangers' players with the greatest potential in a TransferRoom analysis
- Rangers face Dundee at Dens Park on 17 October 2026 at 20:00
