adminRangers should already be considering offering centre-back Olwethu Makhanya a new contract despite the defender only arriving at the club at the end of July.
That is the view of former Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who believes the Gers should take the “gamble” of extending his current four-year agreement as much as possible.
The Glasgow giants completed the signing of the 22-year-old from Philadelphia Union in a £3million deal, and he has quickly established himself as a new favourite at Ibrox.
Wyness stressed that Rangers cannot escape the reality that they will eventually have to sell Makhanya, but believes they are clearly moving towards a “£20million” valuation.
The South African international has featured for every minute of Scottish Premiership football since arriving after the opening league fixture.
Fans have already taken to his combative performances, and he strengthened his reputation further with two impressive displays in the consecutive victories over Celtic in recent weeks.
Rangers must protect against Olwethu Makhanya’s agent
Aberdeen’s former chief Wyness – who was CEO at Pittodrie between 2000 and 2004 and now operates a consultancy business advising elite clubs – believes Rangers need to do everything possible to prevent Makhanya’s agent “getting in his ear” over a potential transfer.
The Scottish businessman believes an “extended contract” would assist the Glasgow giants in securing a proper valuation for their standout player, rather than risking an early departure.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness stressed that a fresh deal could ultimately be the difference between an £8m and a £20m transfer fee.
“He’s made a very positive start, and I think he’s got all that look about him, but from Rangers’ point of view, they should extend his contract now,” he said.
“I know it’s early days and he’s only had a couple of games, but let’s get it in there now because they’re going to be trying to sell him; there’s no doubt at some stage, because that’s the model that they’ve got.
“But they can’t afford to sell him badly, if you know what I mean. And so they should get that contract extended now. That could make the difference between getting £8m or up to £20m.
“Rangers should be considering it right now. Once you’ve got a young talent, you’ve got to put a bit of a gamble on it and do it. I think you’ve got to act quickly; otherwise, he’ll get spotted and before you know it, the agents will be in his ear.
“That’s what Rangers and Celtic have got to try and do is get into these higher-volume trading models and get that talent in and become a bit of a conveyor belt. They’ve got to give themselves leverage in terms of any negotiation, which means an extended contract.”
Rangers ‘assessing’ Connor Barron recall
Football Insider reported earlier this week that Rangers will “evaluate” Connor Barron’s situation ahead of the January transfer window.
The 24-year-old has been sent on loan to English Championship club Middlesbrough, but he has yet to make a single appearance for his new side.
Sources indicate that Rangers are willing to recall Barron if his playing time fails to improve, before potentially sending him elsewhere for the remainder of the season.
The former Aberdeen midfielder is contracted to Ibrox until the summer of 2028, although it is expected to be challenging for him to force his way back into Derek McInnes’ plans.
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