Rangers announced on the final day of the transfer window that they have secured the services of Venezuelan forward Kevin Kelsy from the Portland Timbers for a fee reported to be around £9 million. In addition, the club has brought in Algerian winger Badredine Bouanani on a season‑long loan from German side Stuttgart, with an option to make the move permanent at the end of the term.
Kevin Kelsy has signed a four‑year contract that includes a club‑option for a fifth year, meaning the Scottish giants have locked the 22‑year‑old into their plans for the foreseeable future. Kelsy, who has already earned six caps for the Venezuela national team, arrived in Major League Soccer after leaving Ukrainian powerhouse Shakhtar Donetsk in January of last year. During his two seasons with Portland, he made 63 appearances, finding the back of the net 19 times and adding five assists, a record that attracted attention from several European clubs.
After completing his medical and officially joining Rangers, Kelsy spoke about his excitement: "I’ve heard a lot about the club. Even when I was younger I would watch the team in Europe and I understand how much the club means to its supporters. I want to bring joy to the fans, score goals and create unforgettable moments for the side. We know we have to win every match and play at a high level, and I’m ready to give my all alongside my new teammates.
This is a new chapter in my life and I’m eager to start it." His words reflected a clear determination to adapt quickly to the physical and tactical demands of the Scottish Premiership. Manager Derek McInnes welcomed the signing, emphasizing both the player’s technical qualities and his mental approach. "We’re delighted to have Kevin join us.
He’s an exciting talent with a range of attributes, and what struck us most in our discussions was his hunger to make an impact. He will add genuine quality to a part of the pitch we have been looking to strengthen, and his arrival gives us another dynamic option moving forward. Kevin possesses a great attitude and a strong desire to improve, and we’re eager to see what he can contribute at Rangers." McInnes hinted that Kelsy’s versatility – capable of playing across the front line – could provide tactical flexibility for the team as they chase domestic and European objectives.
The second addition to the Ibrox squad was 21‑year‑old Badredine Bouanani, who completed his loan move after passing a medical examination. The Algerian international spent the previous season with Stuttgart after moving from Nice, and he recorded two goals and two assists in his first campaign in the Bundesliga. The loan agreement includes an option for Rangers to purchase Bouanani outright if he impresses during his stay. Bouanani expressed his enthusiasm during his unveiling: "I’m very happy to be here and excited to get started.
I know the Scottish league is tough, with a lot of physical duels and intensity, so I’ll need to work hard. I’ve gained valuable experience over the past year, and I’ll try to apply that in this competition." His comments highlighted an awareness of the league’s demanding nature and a willingness to adapt his game accordingly. The club also confirmed that midfielder Nico Raskin will remain at Ibrox after rejecting offers from Turkish side Besiktas.
Besiktas initially proposed a loan deal with an option to buy, later returning with a full purchase offer, but both proposals fell short of Rangers’ valuation, leading the Scottish side to retain the player. Rangers’ activity this summer mirrors the volume of signings made a year ago, with 14 new players added to the roster. Of the twelve arrivals from the previous campaign, only four – striker Youssef Chermiti, defender Emmanuel Fernandez, midfielder Djeidi Gassama and forward Bojan Miovski – are still with the club, underscoring the high turnover typical of a club competing on multiple fronts. The acquisitions of Kelsy and Bouanani are intended to bolster Rangers’ attacking options, offering both pace and creativity.
Kelsy’s proven goal‑scoring record in MLS and his international experience should provide a direct threat in the final third, while Bouanani’s dribbling ability and flair could stretch defences and create space for teammates. Both players will need to adjust to the physicality and speed of the Scottish Premiership, but their statements suggest a strong mental readiness to meet those challenges.
Beyond the on‑field implications, the signings also reflect Rangers’ broader strategy of scouting talent from diverse markets – South America, North America and North Africa – and integrating them into a squad capable of competing for the league title and making a deep run in European competitions. The club’s willingness to invest significant funds, as evidenced by the £9 million fee for Kelsy, indicates confidence in its financial position and ambition to maintain a competitive edge.
Fans will be watching closely as the new arrivals settle in, with hopes that their contributions will help Rangers sustain their recent success and add fresh excitement to the Ibrox experience. The season ahead promises to be a test of depth, adaptability and the ability of the new signings to deliver when it matters most.