Rangers have bolstered their attacking options on the final day of the transfer window by securing the services of Venezuelan forward Kevin Kelsy from the Portland Timbers for a fee reported to be around £9 million, while also bringing Algerian winger Badredine Bouanani to Ibrox on a loan deal from German side Stuttgart. Kelsy has signed an initial contract that runs for four years, with the club retaining the option to extend the agreement for an additional season should his performances merit it. The 22‑year‑old international, who has already earned six caps for the Venezuela national team, made his way to the United States after leaving Ukrainian giants Shakhtar Donetsk in January of last year.
During his time in Major League Soccer, Kelsy proved to be a prolific attacker, netting 19 goals and supplying five assists across 63 appearances for the Timbers. His blend of pace, technical skill and finishing ability caught the eye of several European clubs, and Rangers moved quickly to bring him to the Scottish Premiership.
Upon confirming his move, Kelsy spoke about his enthusiasm for joining the historic club: "I’ve heard a lot about Rangers. Even when I was younger I watched the team in European competitions and I understand what the club means to its supporters.
I want to bring joy to the fans, score goals and create unforgettable moments for the team. We know we have to win every match and play at a high level, and I’m ready to do that alongside my new teammates. This is a new chapter in my life and I’m excited to start it here." His remarks highlighted both his respect for the club’s tradition and his personal ambition to make an immediate impact. Manager Derek McInnes also praised the new signing, stating, "We are delighted to welcome Kevin to Rangers.
He is an exciting player with a range of attributes, and what stood out in our talks was his hunger to make a difference. He will add genuine quality to an area of the pitch we have been keen to strengthen, giving us another dynamic option moving forward. Kevin has a great attitude and a real desire to improve, and we look forward to seeing what he can bring to the side." McInnes’ comments underline the strategic importance of Kelsy’s arrival as the club seeks to deepen its attacking depth ahead of a demanding season that includes domestic and European commitments. The second addition to the Rangers roster was 21‑year‑old Badredine Bouanani, who completed a loan move from Stuttgart after passing his medical examination.
The loan includes an option for Rangers to purchase the Algerian international outright at the end of the term. Bouanani, who transferred to Germany from French club Nice in 2022, has already made a modest impact in the Bundesliga, recording two goals and two assists for Stuttgart. His pace, dribbling flair and ability to cut inside from the wing make him a valuable asset for a Rangers side that values width and creativity in the final third. Bouanani’s arrival marks the final piece of the club’s summer recruitment puzzle.
The loan deal also reflects Rangers’ cautious but forward‑looking approach to squad building, allowing the club to evaluate his adaptation to Scottish football before committing to a permanent transfer. The inclusion of a purchase option gives Rangers flexibility while also protecting their investment should Bouanani exceed expectations.
In other transfer news, Rangers retained midfielder Nico Raskin after turning down offers from Turkish giants Besiktas. The Turkish side initially proposed a loan with an option to buy, later escalating to a full‑time bid, but both proposals were rejected as they did not meet Rangers’ valuation of the player. Raskin remains a key figure in the midfield, offering versatility and work‑rate that the club values highly.
Overall, Rangers have completed 14 signings this summer, matching the number of acquisitions made in the same period a year ago. However, of the players who joined Ibrox in the previous campaign, only four remain on the roster: striker Youssef Chermiti, goalkeeper Emmanuel Fernandez, defender Djeidi Gassama and forward Bojan Miovski. This turnover underscores the club’s commitment to continually refreshing the squad in pursuit of domestic titles and deeper runs in European competition. Fans can follow all the action as the Scottish Premiership kicks off, with matches available to stream via NOW and live coverage on Sky Sports.
Additionally, Rangers are offering a promotional Super 6 competition, giving supporters a chance to win a share of £250,000 at no cost to enter, further engaging the fanbase as the new season approaches. The signings of Kelsy and Bouanani signal a clear intent from the club’s hierarchy to inject youthful energy and technical prowess into the team. Both players bring international experience—Kelsy with his Venezuelan caps and Bouanani with his Algerian youth representation—while also offering the potential for growth under the guidance of McInnes and the club’s coaching staff. As the transfer window closes, expectations are high that these new arrivals will help Rangers maintain their dominance in Scotland and make a stronger impression on the European stage.