South African defender Olwethu Makhanya looks poised for a lucrative transfer from Philadelphia Union as interest in his services continues to rise amidst his incredible performances with the Major League Soccer outfit.
Makhanya, 21, has entered his third season with the club since his transfer from Stellenbosch in 2023, which was believed to be in the region of R15-million for the then teenage talent whose been capped at U20 and U23 level for South Africa.
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After a season of adapting into his new surroundings, the arrival of compatriot Bradley Carnell has seen his progress accelerate at the club, and emerged as a key figure in the club’s starting line-up and one of the best centre-backs in the league as they won the MLS Supporters Shield, which is the accumulation of the most points in the single season.
Sources close to Philadelphia Union, have confirmed they’ve already had enquiries from clubs in England, Germany, France, and the top sides in Netherlands, Scotland and Belgium in the off-season and it appears the club is resigned to a mid-season July exit as he looks towards realising his dream of playing European football at the highest level.
iDiski Times reached out to Makhanya’s representatives at Centre Circle over the recent speculation around his future and whether the bold move to America, which Bafana Bafana defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi, and winger Puso Dithejane have since followed with a transfer to Chicago Fire, has been beneficial for his career trajectory.
“He was one of the best three centre-backs in the league last season, an absolute standout. What has allowed him to develop so quickly, is playing – and shining – against top players, like Messi and Suarez, all of these top guys Thomas Muller for example, that have come into the MLS and given defenders a real challenge, which he has stepped up to,” Matthew Moore tells iDiski Times.
“I have no doubt he has been the best South African centre-back, for the past year now, and he has all the attributes you need in order to make it as a top quality modern day centre-back. He’s got good height at 1.88, good speed, can play in a defensive high line with the ability to recover, strong in the duels, calm on the ball and can break the lines with the ball at his feet.
“Besides these qualities, he’s a leader on and off the field, disciplined, hungry, he has good determination and a quick learner, so he possesses all the qualities to take the next steps to become a top quality centre-back.”
Makhanya’s agency, Centre Circle, who it is known that they have completed 14 deals for non-European players with European clubs in the last 12 months, were not giving much away.
“Let’s just say that I have no doubt that he will be one of the biggest, if not the biggest transfer in South African football history when he makes his move to Europe,” said Moore.
Makhanya was part of the Union squad on Thursday evening that secured a place in the Concacaf Champions Cup last-16 after a resounding 12-0 aggregate win over Defence Force and will now face Mexican giants Club America.
Story by Lorenz Kohler (@Lorenz_KO).
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