The Philadelphia Union are undergoing a significant transformation this summer, with defender Olwethu Makhanya and midfielder Philippe Ndinga both set to leave the club. Makhanya is poised to join Rangers in Scotland, while Ndinga is expected to go on loan to Zulte Waregem in Belgium.

Makhanya's Move to Rangers

Olwethu Makhanya, a 22-year-old center-back, is making the move to Rangers for a reported transfer fee of around $4.5 million. This deal also includes a sell-on clause, allowing the Union to benefit from any future sale of the player. Although the transfer has not yet been officially confirmed, Rangers manager Derek McInnes hinted at its imminent announcement, stating, “we’re pretty close to announcing that, so it’s safe to say that one looks good for us.”

Rangers had been monitoring Makhanya for some time before submitting a formal offer. With the Scottish Premiership season set to kick off shortly, there was a sense of urgency to finalize the deal. McInnes expressed confidence in Makhanya's ability to adapt to a new footballing environment, saying, “He’s coming from MLS into a different country and style of football, but we believe he has the attributes to cope with that.”

Ndinga's Loan to Belgium

Philippe Ndinga is likely to head out on loan to Zulte Waregem, although details surrounding this move have yet to be fully disclosed. This shift is part of the Union's broader strategy under new sporting director Jon Scheer, who is looking to reshape the squad.

Makhanya's departure marks the end of his tenure with the Union, where he made 53 appearances since the start of 2025. His exit follows a World Cup stint with South Africa, where he did not see any playing time. Reports suggest he did not return to the Union due to personal matters, but he also believed he had an agreement with the club regarding a potential move to Europe.

As the Union navigates this transitional period, both Makhanya and Ndinga's exits represent significant changes in the squad as they look to build for the future.