Rangers defender Olwethu Makhanya has admitted he is targeting a move to a top five European league just months after joining the club from Philadelphia Union in a £3m deal.
The South Africa international has formed a key partnership with Emmanuel Fernandez at the heart of the Rangers defence, helping the Glasgow giants to four clean sheets in their last five matches, including a 3-0 Premier Sports Cup win over Celtic last weekend.
Ambition to reach elite leagues
Speaking to Metro FM, Makhanya said his Scottish Premiership switch is only the beginning of his rise: "I have my goals listed, where I've played, where I am right now and where I'm trying to go."
"So, we still have a couple of steps there left cause the main goal is to play in top five leagues in the world. I would put Premier League and La Liga up there and maybe France. So, that's where we're trying to get."
McInnes assurances and adaptation
The 22-year-old also explained how Derek McInnes helped him adapt quickly to life in Glasgow by providing assurances over his game time. "When I came in I had a conversation with the coach, and it was just basically explaining to me the amount of defenders that we have and the number of games that we have this season," he said.
"He was just assuring me that if I don't get an opportunity now then I will get an opportunity later, because there is going to be a lot of games. It was just about making sure that whatever happens that I am in the right space mentally. I think that just allowed me to feel at home and feel comfortable."
Partnership with Fernandez
Makhanya also revealed his unseen relationship with Fernandez, including offering to swap positions with his defensive partner. "I am comfortable on the right, with the ball. I am also OK playing on the left. The guy I am playing with right now, Fernandez, is also right footed," he added.
"So, I always ask my partner what side he wants to pick [of the defence]. Over the last few seasons I have been playing on the left, and it now feels more comfortable."
