Rangers have completed two deadline‑day acquisitions, bringing in Venezuelan striker Kevin Kelsy from the Portland Timbers for a reported £9 million fee and securing a season‑long loan for Algerian winger Badredine Bouanani from Stuttgart, with an option to purchase at the end of the spell. Kelsy has signed an initial four‑year contract that includes a club‑option for a fifth year. The 22‑year‑old international, who has earned six caps for Venezuela, made the jump to Major League Soccer in January after leaving Ukrainian giants Shakhtar Donetsk.
During his time in the MLS he featured in 63 matches for Portland, finding the net 19 times and adding five assists, demonstrating a blend of finishing ability and creative spark that attracted interest from several European clubs. Upon confirming his move, Kelsy expressed his enthusiasm for joining the 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' heritage and his personal ambition to make an immediate impact on the pitch.
Manager Derek McInnes echoed those sentiments, praising the new signing: "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 underscored the strategic importance of bolstering the attacking line, noting that Kelsy's versatility—capable of playing across the front three—adds depth and competition for places. Bouanani, the 21‑year‑old Algerian international, completed his medical and became the final addition to the Ibrox squad for the summer window. The loan agreement includes a purchase clause, giving Rangers the option to make the deal permanent should the player adapt well to the Scottish Premiership.
Bouanani arrived in Germany last season after departing French side Nice, and during his stint with Stuttgart he recorded two goals and two assists, showing flashes of the pace and technical ability that made him a promising prospect. Speaking after his unveiling, Bouanani said: "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 reflect an awareness of the physical demands of Scottish football and a determination to translate his continental experience into tangible contributions for Rangers.
In other transfer news, midfielder Nico Raskin remains at Ibrox after the club turned down overtures from Turkish side Besiktas. Besiktas initially proposed a loan with an option to buy, then escalated to a full‑time offer, but both proposals fell short of Rangers' valuation, prompting the Scottish club to retain the player for the upcoming season.
The summer window saw Rangers bring in 14 new faces, matching the number of signings made a year earlier. Of those who arrived last summer, only four have retained their places in the squad: striker Youssef Chermiti, defender Emmanuel Fernandez, midfielder Djeidi Gassama and forward Bojan Miovski. This turnover highlights the club's ongoing strategy to refresh the roster while maintaining a core group of players who have already integrated into the team's playing style.
Overall, the dual signings of Kelsy and Bouanani illustrate Rangers' intent to strengthen both the central attacking channel and the flanks as they aim to compete on multiple fronts, including the Scottish Premiership, domestic cups, and European competition. The club's leadership appears confident that these additions will provide the necessary quality, depth, and competitive edge to sustain their ambitions for the season ahead. Fans are also reminded of the ongoing Super 6 promotion, offering a chance to win £250,000 with free entry, encouraging community engagement while the team prepares for the challenges of the new campaign.