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 reported fee of around £9 million, while also bringing Algerian winger Badredine Bouanani to Ibrox on a loan deal from Stuttgart. Kelsy has signed an initial four‑year contract with the Scottish club, with an option to extend for a further season should both parties wish to continue the partnership. The 22‑year‑old, 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 United States he proved prolific, netting 19 goals and adding five assists across 63 league appearances for the Timbers. After completing his medical, Kelsy addressed the media with an enthusiastic statement about his new adventure: "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 remarks highlighted both his respect for Rangers' history and his personal ambition to contribute immediately. Manager Derek McInnes echoed those sentiments, praising Kelsy's attributes and his hunger to make an impact.
"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 said. Bouanani, the 21‑year‑old Algerian international, completed his move after passing a thorough medical examination. The loan agreement includes an option for Rangers to purchase the winger outright at the end of the term.
Bouanani arrived in Germany last year from OGC Nice and has already begun to make his mark at Stuttgart, contributing two goals and two assists in his short spell. Speaking at his unveiling, Bouanani expressed his excitement about joining the Scottish Premiership: "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 comments reflect an awareness of the physical demands of Scottish football and a determination to adapt quickly. The two signings represent the final pieces of Rangers’ summer recruitment puzzle. The club also confirmed that midfielder Nico Raskin will remain at Ibrox after rejecting a series of offers from Turkish side Besiktas.
The Turkish club initially proposed a loan with an option to buy, later returning with a permanent bid, but both proposals fell short of Rangers’ valuation, prompting the Scottish side to retain the player. In total, Rangers completed 14 new arrivals during the summer window, matching the number of additions made in the previous campaign. Of the players who joined Ibrox a year ago, only four have remained in the squad: striker Youssef Chermiti, defender Emmanuel Fernandez, midfielder Djeidi Gassama and forward Bojan Miovski. The turnover underscores the club’s strategy of continual refreshment while maintaining a core group of performers.
Beyond the on‑field implications, the signings have generated excitement among the Rangers fanbase, who anticipate fresh attacking options and increased competition for places. Kelsy’s proven goal‑scoring record in MLS and Bouanani’s pace and creativity on the wing are expected to add variety to Derek McInnes’s tactical toolbox, potentially allowing the manager to experiment with different formations and playing styles. Both players also bring international experience that could prove valuable in European competitions. Kelsy’s involvement with the Venezuelan national side offers exposure to different tactical environments, while Bouanani’s Algerian caps provide insight into African football’s physicality and technical demands.
Their integration into the squad will be closely monitored as Rangers aim to challenge for the Scottish Premiership title and make a deep run in the UEFA competitions. Off the pitch, the club continues to engage supporters through promotional activities, including the ongoing "Play Super 6" competition that offers a chance to win £250,000. Such initiatives help maintain a strong connection between the team and its worldwide fan community, especially as new players arrive and the season approaches. In summary, the deadline‑day acquisitions of Kevin Kelsy and Badredine Bouanani reflect Rangers’ ambition to reinforce key attacking positions, add depth, and inject fresh energy into the squad.
With contracts in place and a clear vision from the manager, the club looks poised to embark on a new chapter that blends youthful exuberance with seasoned professionalism, all in pursuit of domestic glory and European success.