Rangers have bolstered their squad on the final day of the transfer window by securing the services of Venezuelan striker 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 loan deal from Stuttgart. Kelsy has agreed to a four‑year contract that includes an option for an additional year, signalling the club’s intention to make him a long‑term component of their attacking line‑up. The 22‑year‑old international, who has earned six caps for Venezuela, arrived in Major League Soccer after departing Shakhtar Donetsk in January of last year.
During his two seasons with the Timbers, Kelsy found the net 19 times and contributed five assists across 63 appearances, demonstrating a blend of pace, finishing ability and work‑rate that attracted interest from several European sides. After completing his medical, Kelsy spoke to the media about his excitement at joining Rangers: "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 underline a clear awareness of the expectations that come with wearing the famous blue jersey and a desire 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." The manager’s remarks hint at the strategic role Kelsy could play, potentially offering a more direct goal threat alongside the existing forward line. The second addition to the Rangers roster is 21‑year‑old Badredine Bouanani, who completed a loan move from Stuttgart with an option to purchase at the end of the spell. Bouanani, an Algerian international, spent the previous season in the German Bundesliga after moving from Nice.
In his time with Stuttgart he recorded two goals and two assists, showing flashes of the technical ability and flair that made him a standout talent in Ligue 1. Following his unveiling, Bouanani expressed his enthusiasm about the new challenge: "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." The winger’s comment reflects an understanding of the physical nature of Scottish football and a willingness to adapt his game accordingly. Both signings come as part of a busy summer window for Rangers, who have added fourteen new players in total – the same number as they did a year ago. Of the cohort that arrived in the previous campaign, only four remain fully integrated: forward Youssef Chermiti, goalkeeper Emmanuel Fernandez, midfielder Djeidi Gassama and striker Bojan Miovski. The club’s recruitment strategy appears focused on adding depth across the pitch while also injecting youthful energy that can develop under the guidance of McInnes and his coaching staff.
In addition to the incoming talent, Rangers have managed to retain midfielder Nico Raskin after turning down offers from Turkish side Besiktas. Besiktas initially proposed a loan with an option to buy, later returning with a full‑purchase bid, but both proposals were rejected as they did not meet Rangers’ valuation of the player. Raskin’s continued presence adds stability to the midfield, complementing the fresh faces on the flanks and in attack.
The club’s activity highlights a clear intent to compete on multiple fronts – domestically in the Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup, as well as in European competition. By securing a proven goal scorer in Kelsy and a versatile winger in Bouanani, Rangers aim to enhance their attacking options, providing manager McInnes with greater tactical flexibility.
The loan arrangement for Bouanani also offers a low‑risk opportunity to assess his suitability for a permanent move, while the option to extend Kelsy’s contract by an additional year gives the club long‑term control over his future. Fans at Ibrox will be eager to see how quickly the new signings adapt to the pace and physicality of Scottish football. The club’s supporters have a reputation for passionate backing, and both Kelsy and Bouanani have expressed a desire to deliver moments of joy and excitement for them.
As the season approaches, the integration of these players into training sessions and pre‑season friendlies will be closely watched, with hopes that they can hit the ground running and make an immediate impact on the pitch. Beyond the on‑field implications, the signings also reflect Rangers’ broader commercial ambitions.
By bringing in players with international experience – Kelsy from South America and Bouanani from North Africa – the club expands its global profile, potentially attracting new fans and sponsorship opportunities in new markets. This strategic dimension aligns with the modern football landscape where on‑field success and off‑field brand growth often go hand in hand. In summary, Rangers’ deadline‑day activity has delivered a Venezuelan striker with a proven scoring record and a young Algerian winger eager to prove himself in a demanding league.
Both players have spoken about their commitment to the club’s objectives, and manager Derek McInnes has praised their attitudes and potential contributions. With the transfer window now closed, all eyes will be on Ibrox to see how these acquisitions shape the team’s performance in the upcoming campaign.