Transfer report: The Premier League and La Liga teams targeting Bafana star
Bafana Bafana's Olwethu Makhanya is the subject of interest from Brentford in the English Premier League, while Sevilla are monitoring him in Spain. In Italy, Bologna are keeping tabs on the Rangers FC central defender.
"Brentford, Sevilla & Bologna closely monitoring Rangers CB Olwethu Makhanya (22, South Africa) after his impressive start," Turkish transfer reporter Ekrem Konur revealed. BAFANA BAFANA'S OLWETHU MAKHANYA MAKES A NAME IN SCOTLAND The former Marumo Gallants and Stellenbosch FC star joined Rangers FC from Philadelphia Union in Major League Soccer.
Makhanya's defensive performances have helped Rangers record seven clean sheets in his first 11 consecutive starts across all competitions. His growing partnership with Emmanuel Fernandez has also strengthened the team's defensive unit.
The South African international's impressive performancesearned him the Scottish Premiership Player of the Month award for September 2026. He has also impressed in high-profile matches against Celtic, including a 1-0 victory at Celtic Park and a 3-0 win in the Scottish League Cup.
A move to one of Europe's major leagues would represent another significant step in Makhanya's career. However, the reported interest has not yet confirmed a formal bid or an agreement with Rangers.
SOUTH AFRICANS IN ENGLAND, SPAIN AND ITALY A catalogue of Mzansi footballers have graced the shores of England, Spain and Italy. In the English Premier League, Lucas Radebe became a Leeds United legend, while Steven Pienaar impressed at Everton and Benni McCarthy featured for Blackburn Rovers.
Quinton Fortune played for Manchester United, while Mbulelo Mabizela and Bongani Khumalo turned out for Tottenham Hotspur. More recently, Lyle Foster continued the South African presence in England with Burnley, as well as Percy Tau at Brighton & Hove Albion.
In Spain's La Liga, Fortune represented Atlético Madrid and Mallorca, while McCarthy played for Celta Vigo. Defender Nasief Morris featured for Recreativo de Huelva and Racing Santander, while Tsepo Masilela made 13 appearances for Getafe.
Sizwe Motaung and David Nyathi also represented CD Tenerife. In Italy's Serie A, Phil Masinga became a fan favourite at Bari.