Rangers have bolstered their squad 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 season‑long loan from Stuttgart. Both signings are expected to add fresh impetus to a side that is eager to challenge for the Scottish Premiership title and make a deeper run in European competition. Kelsy has agreed to a four‑year contract with the option of a further year, a deal that ties the 22‑year‑old to the club until at least 2028. The young striker, who has already earned six caps for the Venezuela national team, arrived in Major League Soccer last January after leaving Ukrainian giants Shakhtar Donetsk.
During his time in the MLS, Kelsy proved to be a prolific attacker, netting 19 goals and laying on five assists across 63 appearances for the Timbers. His blend of pace, technical skill and an eye for goal attracted the attention of several European clubs, and Rangers were quick to act when the opportunity arose. Upon unveiling, Kelsy spoke about his excitement at joining the historic Scottish side: "I've heard a lot about the club. Even when I was younger, I saw the team in Europe.
I know what the club means to the fans. I would love to bring some joy to the fans and the club, and score goals to bring amazing moments to the team. I know we have to win all the games and play well, and I'll be ready for this with my teammates. I'm ready for this new chapter in my life." His comments highlighted both his respect for Rangers' tradition and his personal ambition to make an immediate impact.
Manager Derek McInnes echoed those sentiments, praising Kelsy's attributes and hunger: "We're really pleased to welcome Kevin to the club. He's an exciting player with a lot of attributes, and what really stood out in our conversations is how hungry he is to make an impact. He'll bring real quality to an area of the pitch we have been keen to strengthen, and his arrival gives us another exciting option going forward.
Kevin has a great attitude and a real desire to improve, and we're looking forward to seeing what he can bring at Rangers." McInnes believes the forward will add depth to the attacking line‑up, offering a different style of play that could complement the existing front‑men and give the manager tactical flexibility. The second addition to the Rangers roster is 21‑year‑old Badredine Bouanani, who arrives on loan from German side Stuttgart with an option to make the move permanent. Bouanani, an Algerian international, spent the previous season in the Bundesliga after moving from Nice. In his first season in Germany he recorded two goals and two assists, showing flashes of the creativity and speed that made him a coveted prospect.
After completing his medical, Bouanani was introduced to the Rangers faithful, stating: "I am very happy to be here and excited to start. I know it's a tough league with a lot of duels and intensity, so I will need to work. I have a lot of experience now, so I will try to put it into this league." His remarks underline an awareness of the physical demands of Scottish football and a commitment to adapt his game accordingly.
The loan deal includes a purchase clause, giving Rangers the flexibility to secure his services on a longer term if he proves successful. The club's transfer activity did not stop with the two new arrivals. Rangers also confirmed that midfielder Nico Raskin will remain at Ibrox after rejecting a bid from Turkish giants Besiktas.
Besiktas initially proposed a loan with an option to buy, later returning with a full‑price offer, but both proposals fell short of Rangers' valuation, leading the club to retain the midfielder for the upcoming season. Overall, the 14 signings made this summer match the number of players added a year earlier, reflecting a strategic approach to squad building. Of the players who joined Rangers in the previous campaign, only four have remained in the squad: striker Youssef Chermiti, defender Emmanuel Fernandez, midfielder Djeidi Gassama, and forward Bojan Miovski.
The new additions of Kelsy and Bouanani are expected to increase competition for places and raise the overall quality of the team. Rangers fans can look forward to seeing the new signings in action as the Scottish Premiership kicks off, with matches available to stream via NOW and live coverage on Sky Sports. The club hopes that the fresh talent will translate into more victories, thrilling moments for supporters, and a stronger push for silverware both domestically and in Europe.
In addition to the on‑field developments, the club continues to engage its fan base with promotions such as the Super 6 competition, offering a chance to win £250,000 for free entry. This initiative aims to keep supporters involved and excited throughout the season, complementing the sporting ambitions on the pitch.