South African defender Olwethu Makhanya is reportedly attracting interest from English Premier League clubs following his promising start at Scottish giants Rangers, with former Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness urging the Glasgow side to protect the young centre-back’s growing transfer value.

The 22-year-old Bafana Bafana international has reportedly caught the attention of Sunderland and Brentford, with scouts said to be monitoring his performances in Scotland.

Makhanya’s development has sparked discussion about whether Rangers should offer him improved contract terms before potential interest from England develops into formal transfer negotiations.

Wyness believes the club could significantly increase its financial return by acting early rather than waiting until other teams begin pursuing the defender more aggressively.

“They should get that contract extended now. That could make the difference between getting £8m or up to £20m,” Wyness said, according to reports by Football Insider and iDiski Times.

The figures represent a projected valuation rather than confirmed transfer offers, but they illustrate the potential increase in Makhanya’s market value if his performances continue to impress.

Sunderland and Brentford Reportedly Monitoring Makhanya

Makhanya joined Rangers from Major League Soccer side Philadelphia Union in July 2026 in a reported £3 million transfer.

The South African defender signed a four-year contract, with Rangers reportedly holding an option to extend the agreement by an additional year. His existing deal therefore gives the Scottish club considerable control over his future.

Despite that contractual security, reported interest from Sunderland and Brentford has raised questions about whether Rangers should move to improve his terms.

Makhanya’s physical strength, composure in possession and defensive abilities have helped him establish himself as a promising young centre-back. His progress in Scottish football has also increased expectations about what he could achieve as his career develops.

However, the reported scouting interest should not be mistaken for a confirmed bid, as there is no indication in the available information that either Premier League club has submitted a formal offer.

Wyness Urges Rangers to Protect Their Investment

Wyness believes Rangers should act decisively when dealing with a young player whose value could rise considerably.

“If you’ve got a young talent, you’ve got to put a bit of a gamble on it and do it,” he explained.

“I think you’ve got to act quickly; otherwise, he’ll get spotted and before you know it, the agents will be in his ear.”

His argument is that improving Makhanya’s contract could help Rangers strengthen their negotiating position if interest from English clubs eventually develops into concrete transfer proposals.

A revised agreement could potentially reflect the defender’s progress while giving the club greater financial protection in future negotiations.

Nevertheless, Rangers are not facing an immediate contractual crisis. Makhanya is already tied to the club until 2030, with the additional-year option potentially extending that arrangement further.

Makhanya's Rise Offers Encouragement for South African Football

Makhanya’s progress is also encouraging for South African football, as the defender continues to develop his career abroad after previous spells with Stellenbosch FC and Philadelphia Union.

His move to Rangers has provided another opportunity to gain experience in European football and demonstrate his abilities at a higher level.

Consistent performances in Scotland could also strengthen his position within the Bafana Bafana setup as he continues competing for international recognition.

For now, the reported interest from Sunderland and Brentford remains something to monitor rather than evidence of an imminent transfer.

Whether Rangers offer Makhanya an improved contract remains to be seen, but his continued development could make him an increasingly valuable asset for the Scottish club. The reported £20 million figure is a projection, not a confirmed offer or agreed valuation.

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