Rangers Told They Can Name Their Price For This Defender: Should McInnes Sell?

Rangers Told They Can Name Their Price For This Defender: Should McInnes Sell? Rangers have built their Scottish Premiership title challenge on defensive discipline under Derek McInnes, although their attacking output still needs improvement. The Ibrox side have conceded nine goals in 11 league matches this season, while their 19 goals leave them eight behind Celtic ‘s tally of 27. McInnes took charge in June and guided Rangers through a winning run, including successive Old Firm victories. However, the 2-2 draw away to Hearts on October 28 exposed their inconsistency, even as their young South African centre-back delivered another important contribution. Olwethu Makhanya has quickly become one of the most impressive performers in Rangers’ revamped squad. The 22-year-old arrived from Philadelphia Union for around £3 million in the summer, and his early displays have justified the club’s investment. Across nine Premiership starts, the defender has recorded five clean sheets, 62 recoveries and 37 clearances, while completing 85 per cent of his passes. Those numbers reflect his value to McInnes, whose aggressive approach demands centre-backs who can recover possession, defend open spaces and move the ball forward under pressure. Makhanya also scored an 89th-minute equaliser against Hearts on October 28 and won the SPFL Player of the Month award for September. Former Hibernian forward and pundit Tam McManus has taken notice. McManus described Makhanya as a “Rolls Royce” and called him “without a doubt the best defender in Scottish football”. He also suggested Rangers could name their price if clubs look for the centre-back next summer. Should Rangers reject every summer offer for Makhanya? GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – SEPTEMBER 09: Olwethu Makhanya of Rangers is seen during the William Hill Premiership 2026/27 match between Glasgow Rangers and St. Mirren at Ibrox Stadium on September 09, 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images) Rangers should resist selling a defender who has become central to McInnes’ plans. His contract runs until 2030, giving the club a strong negotiating position without any immediate need to accept an offer. There are practical reasons to keep him, too. John Souttar’s contract expires in 2027, while Ben Godfrey’s loan ends next summer. Emmanuel Fernandez remains another important option, but losing Makhanya would force Rangers to reconsider their defensive plans just as they try to close the gap on Celtic. A substantial bid could tempt the board, particularly after a reported £3 million investment. Yet Rangers want to challenge for the title, not weaken their strongest unit for a quick profit. Makhanya already gives McInnes a reliable foundation at the back, and another season at Ibrox could strengthen both his development and his market value. Unless an extraordinary offer arrives, the board should reject approaches and keep a defender who could prove vital to ending Celtic’s domestic dominance.