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 £9 million, while also bringing Algerian winger Badredine Bouanani to Ibrox on a loan spell from German side Stuttgart. Kelsy has agreed to a four‑year contract with the Scottish club, with an additional year built into the deal as an optional extension.
The 22‑year‑old international, who has earned six caps for Venezuela, made the move to Major League Soccer in January after departing Ukrainian giants Shakhtar Donetsk. During his time in the United States, Kelsy proved to be a prolific attacker, finding the back of the net 19 times and supplying five assists across 63 league appearances for the Timbers. His knack for scoring and creating chances caught the eye of the Rangers scouting team, prompting the club to act before the deadline closed.
Upon signing, Kelsy expressed his enthusiasm for the new challenge: "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 understanding of Rangers' expectations and the passionate support base that follows the team. Manager Derek McInnes welcomed the addition, noting that Kelsy possesses a blend of technical skill and a competitive hunger that fits the Rangers’ playing philosophy.
"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. The second part of the deadline‑day activity involved the arrival of 21‑year‑old Badredine Bouanani. The Algerian international completed a medical examination and officially joined the club on a season‑long loan from Stuttgart, with a purchase option embedded in the agreement. Bouanani, who transferred from French side Nice to Stuttgart last year, has already made an impression in the Bundesliga, registering two goals and two assists for the German club.
In his introductory remarks, he conveyed optimism about adapting to 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 statement reflects an awareness of the physical demands of Scottish football and a willingness to develop further.
The loan deal also includes an option for Rangers to make the transfer permanent should Bouanani prove his worth over the course of the season. This strategic move gives the club flexibility while allowing the young winger to showcase his talent on a bigger stage. In other transfer news, Rangers have retained midfielder Nico Raskin after rejecting overtures from Turkish giants Besiktas. Besiktas initially proposed a loan arrangement with an option to buy, later returning with a full‑price offer.
Both proposals were turned down as they failed to meet Rangers’ valuation of the player, indicating the club’s determination to keep key squad members amid a busy transfer window. The club’s activity this summer matches the volume of signings made a year ago, with fourteen new faces added to the roster.
However, retention remains a challenge; of the players who arrived in the previous campaign, only four – striker Youssef Chermiti, defender Emmanuel Fernandez, midfielder Djeidi Gassama, and forward Bojan Miovski – are still with the team. This turnover highlights the competitive nature of squad building in modern football and the constant need for fresh talent to sustain performance levels.
Rangers’ strategic approach appears to focus on strengthening specific areas of the pitch while maintaining a core group of players who can deliver consistency. The acquisitions of Kelsy and Bouanani address attacking depth, providing the manager with more options on the wings and in the final third. Both players bring international experience – Kelsy with his senior caps for Venezuela and Bouanani with his involvement in Algeria’s youth set‑ups – which could prove valuable in both domestic and European competitions.
Beyond the on‑field implications, these signings also have commercial and branding benefits. The arrival of a South American international like Kelsy may attract interest from new markets, while Bouanani’s Algerian heritage could engage the sizable North African diaspora in the UK, potentially expanding the club’s fan base. Rangers supporters can look forward to seeing the new arrivals don the iconic blue kit soon, as the club prepares for the upcoming season’s fixtures. The management’s statements suggest a clear vision: to blend youthful exuberance with seasoned professionalism, aiming for domestic silverware and a strong showing in continental tournaments.
Fans are also reminded of an ongoing promotion: the Super 6 competition, which offers a chance to win £250,000. Participation is free, providing an additional incentive for supporters to stay engaged throughout the season. Overall, the deadline‑day moves underscore Rangers’ ambition to remain competitive at the highest level, reinforcing their attacking options while retaining key midfield talent.
The blend of experienced internationals and promising youngsters sets the stage for an exciting campaign ahead.