Olwethu Makhanya is heading to the 2026 FIFA World Cup as one of the most exciting young defenders in South African football — but his future beyond this summer’s tournament is already generating serious interest in Europe, with iDiski Times understanding that a Belgian Pro League side has had an offer rejected by Philadelphia Union.
The 22-year-old centre-back was one of two uncapped defenders named in Hugo Broos’ final 26-man squad for the global showpiece, alongside Kaizer Chiefs’ Bradley Cross.
Makhanya’s rise has been nothing short of remarkable. He made his breakthrough at Stellenbosch FC during the 2022/23 season before catching the eye of MLS scouts.
Philadelphia Union signed him from Stellenbosch FC on a two-and-a-half-year deal in July 2023, making him the club’s first-ever U22 Initiative signing. Sporting Director Ernst Tanner praised him at the time, noting how quickly he had risen from reserve football to winning the Nedbank Cup Young Player of the Year with Stellies.
After spending time developing with Philadelphia Union II, Makhanya forced his way into the first team in 2025 and never looked back.
Forming an elite partnership with MLS All-Star Jakob Glesnes, he helped the Union concede a league-low 35 goals en route to the 2025 Supporters’ Shield title. He was considered a Best XI-calibre defender during that Supporters’ Shield-winning season.
Now in his third season with the club, it is understood that his performances have attracted concrete transfer interest from the Belgium Pro League. The club who will be competing in European competitions next season, made a formal offer for Makhanya this window — but Philadelphia Union turned it down flat.
According to information received by iDiski Times the situation is becoming increasingly tense. It is believed that Makhanya has made it clear to Philadelphia that he wants to move, after they promised him for two consecutive windows that he can go to Europe this transfer window.
Makhanya made the cut for Broos’ final 26-man squad despite not having previously featured for the senior national side, rewarded purely on the strength of his club performances. He has since made his senior debut for South Africa, starting in a World Cup preparation friendly against Nicaragua.
South Africa are in Group A alongside co-hosts Mexico, South Korea, and Czechia. They open the tournament against Mexico on June 11, then face Czechia on June 18 in Atlanta, before rounding off the group stage against South Korea on June 24 in Monterrey.
Makhanya has experience of the Azteca Stadium, having played there most recently in a 1-1 draw with Club America in March in a CONCACAF Champions Cup last-16 encounter, which is useful intel for a Bafana side that will rely heavily on his composure and reading of the game in what will be South Africa’s first World Cup appearance since 2010.
Whatever happens on the pitch this off-season, the transfer saga surrounding the towering defender looks set to rumble on. Philadelphia Union hold the cards contractually, but a player of Makhanya’s quality – and ambition – will not be easy to keep if Europe comes calling once more.