Rangers have moved decisively on the final day of the transfer window, securing the services of two promising attacking talents: Venezuelan forward Kevin Kelsy, who arrives from the Portland Timbers for a reported fee of around £9 million, and Algerian winger Badredine Bouanani, who joins the club on a loan spell from German side Stuttgart. Kevin Kelsy has agreed to a four‑year contract with an additional year‑option, signalling a long‑term commitment from both player and club. The 22‑year‑old, a full international who has earned six caps for Venezuela, made his way to Major League Soccer earlier this year after departing Ukrainian giants Shakhtar Donetsk in January. During his time in the MLS, Kelsy proved to be a prolific attacker, netting 19 goals and supplying five assists across 63 appearances for the Timbers.
His record suggests a player with a keen eye for goal and the ability to create chances for teammates. After completing his medical, Kelsy addressed the Rangers faithful in a press conference, expressing his enthusiasm for the historic club. "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," he said. His remarks highlighted both his respect for Rangers’ tradition and his personal ambition to make an immediate impact on the pitch.
Manager Derek McInnes echoed those sentiments, praising Kelsy’s technical qualities and his hunger for success. "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 added. The manager’s comments suggest that Kelsy will be expected to add depth to Rangers’ attacking options, potentially operating as a central striker or a wide forward depending on tactical needs. The second addition, Badredine Bouanani, completes Rangers’ summer recruitment drive.
The 21‑year‑old Algerian international completed his medical and was unveiled as a loan signing from Stuttgart, with an option to purchase at the end of the spell. Bouanani’s journey to Ibrox began in France, where he played for Nice before moving to Germany last year.
While at Stuttgart he recorded two goals and two assists, showing flashes of the pace and creativity that attracted the attention of the Scottish side. Bouanani spoke enthusiastically after his introduction to the Rangers supporters. "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," he said. His comments reflect an awareness of the physical demands of the Scottish Premiership and a determination to adapt his skill set to the new environment. In addition to the two new signings, Rangers have also retained midfielder Nico Raskin, after turning down offers from Turkish giants Besiktas. Besiktas initially proposed a loan with an option to buy, then escalated to a permanent bid, but both proposals fell short of Rangers’ valuation, prompting the club to keep the 24‑year‑old at Ibrox.
Raskin’s continued presence adds stability to the midfield as the squad undergoes further evolution. The summer transfer window saw Rangers bring in a total of 14 new players, matching the volume of signings made a year earlier.
However, of the acquisitions from the previous season, only four remain in the squad: forward Youssef Chermiti, defender Emmanuel Fernandez, midfielder Djeidi Gassama, and striker Bojan Miovski. This turnover underscores the club’s ambition to refresh the roster and build a team capable of challenging for domestic titles and making deeper runs in European competition. Overall, the arrival of Kelsy and Bouanani signals a clear intent from Rangers to bolster their attacking firepower.
Kelsy’s proven goal‑scoring record in MLS and his international experience provide a solid foundation, while Bouanani’s youthful exuberance and experience in the German Bundesliga offer a different dimension on the flanks. Both players have expressed a strong desire to adapt quickly, work hard, and contribute to the club’s success.
As the new season approaches, supporters will be eager to see how these signings integrate into Derek McInnes’s tactical setup and whether they can deliver the excitement and results that the Ibrox faithful expect. In related news, Rangers are also promoting fan engagement through a promotional campaign: participants can enter the Super 6 competition for a chance to win £250,000, with entry available at no cost. This initiative aims to increase interaction with the club’s supporters while offering a substantial prize for those who take part.