Major League Soccer side [MLS] Philadelphia Union have turned down a bid for Bafana Bafana defender Olwethu Makhanya from a Belgian club.
The 22-year-old centre-back has been with The Union since July 2023 after joining them from Stellenbosch FC. His current deal with the MLS outfit expires in December 2027, following an extension in November 2025.
After spending time with Philadelphia Union reserves during his early days at the club, Makhanya has now established himself as one of the key players for the MLS side. Last season was his full campaign with the Philadelphia Union first team, and he impressed after making 34 appearances across all competitions.
He helped them win the Supporters’ Shield last season under South African coach Bradley Carnell, who the club recently fired.
Attempts to lure the defender to Europe failed last term as Philadelphia Union agreed with the player that they would allow him to leave this American summer. The Athletic reports that Makhanya has stated that he is now ready to move to Europe and has made it clear to his bosses.
It is also said that “a top Belgian club” is keen on the Durban-born defender, and they have approached Philadelphia Union. But the MLS outfit has rejected the bid, saying that it is way below the player’s market value.
WORLD CUP COULD SPRUCE UP OLWETHU MAKHANYA’S PROFILE
Makhanya is currently in Mexico with Bafana Bafana, preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He recently made his senior national team debut against Nicaragua, starting in the World Cup preparation friendly last week. A former South Africa youth international, the defender managed to convince Hugo Broos that he deserved to go to the World Cup after being previously overlooked by the Belgian coach.
“I didn’t get the call directly from coach Hugo Broos. I got it from one of the guys, Bra Vee [Bafana team manager Vincent Tseka],” Makhanya said most recently, reflecting on his maiden Bafana call-up.
“When I got the message, I was really excited. I wasn’t really shocked, but it did catch me by surprise because there were times when I thought it would come, but it didn’t come.
“So when it came, I was excited, and I was filled with a lot of pride and gratitude.”
Should Broos hand Makhanya some game time at the World Cup, the defender’s profile is expected to rise. That could help him attract more clubs in Europe and improve the bidding for his signature from different clubs.
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