RANGERS MAY HAVE FOUND THEIR NEXT BIG MONEY STAR — AND PREMIER LEAGUE CLUBS ARE WATCHING
Rangers may already have another potential big-money defender on their hands.
Olwethu Makhanya has made a rapid impact since arriving at Ibrox from Philadelphia Union during the summer.
The 22-year-old centre-back cost Rangers an estimated £3.4 million, but his performances have already triggered talk of a much larger future transfer.
Makhanya has been particularly impressive during Rangers’ recent run against Celtic.
The South African defender helped the Gers record two victories over their Old Firm rivals within eight days, strengthening his reputation as one of the standout new arrivals in Scottish football.
His composure on the ball, pace and ability to defend one-on-one situations have attracted attention.
Former Rangers defender Alan Hutton has already warned that the club could face interest from English sides if Makhanya maintains his current level.
There are even comparisons with the pathway followed by Virgil van Dijk, who moved from Celtic to Southampton before eventually becoming a Liverpool star.
Rangers will obviously want to keep their new defender for much longer.
However, football has repeatedly shown how quickly outstanding performances can change a player’s market.
Makhanya is only at the beginning of his Rangers career.
But if his early form continues, the conversation could quickly shift from how much Rangers paid for him to how much an English club might eventually offer.