Closed: the summer 2026 window ended without this move.
Olwethu Makhanya to Real Betis Balompié
Last update: 96 days ago
Status and verdict
Did not happen
Closed rumours are no longer scored: the status is final.
The source describes the transfer as completed but classifies it as "failed," marking it as a past event.
1 article · no first-hand source
What we know
The source describes the transfer as completed but classifies it as "failed," marking it as a past event.
This early report came first, followed by no subsequent statements from either Rangers or Real Betis confirming acceptance or rejection. Sky Sports' initial narrative treated the move as finalized, yet the same outlet later labels the transaction as unsuccessful. The player's profile remains unchanged—centre-back, South African and a long-term contract.
No further updates have emerged since the July 30 announcement.
Key findings
- Deal stage reached by a counted source: interest.
- No second independent source corroborates it.
- Latest evidence: 96 days ago.
Who reported it
| Outlet | Tier | What they said | Track record | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sky Sports 30/07/2026 | Tier 1 · Primary | Rangers have completed the signing of centre-back Olwethu Makhanya from Philadelphia Union in a deal worth around £3m. Stage: failed | 1 of 3 cases · 33% | Contradicts |
Timeline
- 30 Jul 2026 · Sky SportsRangers have completed the signing of centre-back Olwethu Makhanya from Philadelphia Union in a deal worth around £3m.
Contradicts earlier reporting. Stage: failed
Does Real Betis Balompié need him?
Centre-Back: the centre-backs Real Betis Balompié already have, from their squad list, and who they brought in there over the last two seasons. Facts only: we do not judge the need.
Current centre-backs (4, 1 with a year or less left)
| Player | Position | Age | Contract |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natan | Centre-Back | 25 | 30 Jun 2030 |
| Valentín Gómez | Centre-Back | 23 | 30 Jun 2030 |
| Diego Llorente | Centre-Back | 33 | 30 Jun 2028 |
| Marc Bartra | Centre-Back | 35 | 30 Jun 2027 |
Recent signings in this position
- Sergio Arribas (Centre-Back)· no longer in the squad2026/27 · back from loan at SD Huesca
- Nobel Mendy (Centre-Back)· no longer in the squad2026/27 · back from loan at Rayo Vallecano
- Natan (Centre-Back)2025/26 · from SSC Napoli · €9.0M
- Valentín Gómez (Centre-Back)2025/26 · from CA Vélez Sarsfield · €5.3M
- Ricardo Visus (Centre-Back)· no longer in the squad2025/26 · back from loan at Almere City FC
- Sergio Arribas (Centre-Back)· no longer in the squad2025/26 · from Betis Deportivo Balompié · fee undisclosed
- Nobel Mendy (Centre-Back)· no longer in the squad2025/26 · from Betis Deportivo Balompié · fee undisclosed
Is it still alive?
- First report
- 30 Jul 2026
- Latest report
- 30 Jul 2026 (95 days ago)
Contract and fee
- Contract until
- June 2030
- Reported fee
- —
No outlet has quoted a figure for this move yet. We never estimate one.
Also linked with
Player profile
- Full name
- Olwethu Mpilwenhle Makhanya
- Age
- 22
- Agent
- CCC
Photo: Bryan Berlin, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons; resized and cropped.
Full player profile: contract and career moves →