Rangers have bolstered their squad on the final day of the transfer window by securing the services of two promising attackers. The club announced the permanent signing of Venezuelan forward Kevin Kelsy from the Portland Timbers for a reported fee of around £9 million, while Algerian winger Badredine Bouanani arrived on a loan deal from German side Stuttgart, with an option to make the move permanent.
Kevin Kelsy has agreed to a four‑year contract with an additional year‑option, meaning he could potentially stay at Ibrox for five seasons if the club chooses to trigger the extension. The 22‑year‑old has already earned six caps for the Venezuela national team and made a high‑profile move to Major League Soccer last January after leaving Ukrainian giants Shakhtar Donetsk. During his time with Portland, Kelsy proved to be a prolific attacker, netting 19 goals and adding five assists across 63 league appearances. His blend of pace, technical skill and an eye for goal made him an attractive target for a Rangers side looking to inject fresh firepower into their front line.
After putting pen to paper, Kelsy expressed his enthusiasm for the new challenge: "I’ve heard a lot about the club. Even when I was younger, I watched 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 create amazing moments for the team.
I understand we have to win every game and play well, and I’ll be ready for that with my teammates. I’m excited for this new chapter in my life." His comments underline a clear awareness of Rangers’ passionate fan base and the expectations that come with wearing the iconic blue jersey.
Manager Derek McInnes welcomed the signing, highlighting both Kelsy’s footballing attributes and his mental approach: "We’re really pleased to welcome Kevin to the club. He’s an exciting player with a lot of qualities, and what really stood out in our conversations is how hungry he is to make an impact.
He’ll add real quality to an area of the pitch we’ve been keen to strengthen, and his arrival gives us another exciting option moving 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’ remarks suggest that Kelsy’s arrival is part of a broader tactical plan to diversify the team’s attacking options, especially on the flanks where pace and creativity are prized. The second addition, Badredine Bouanani, completed his move after passing a medical examination. The 21‑year‑old Algerian international, who transferred to Stuttgart from French side Nice in 2023, joins Rangers on a season‑long loan with a purchase clause that could become active should the club decide he has earned a permanent place.
While at Stuttgart, Bouanani recorded two goals and two assists, showing flashes of the technical ability that earned him recognition at youth international level for Algeria. Upon his unveiling, Bouanani said: "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 hard. I have a lot of experience now, and I will try to apply it in this league." His statement reflects an understanding of the physical demands of the Scottish Premiership and a willingness to adapt his game accordingly.
Both signings come as Rangers continue to shape a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts, including domestic titles and European competition. The club also confirmed that midfielder Nico Raskin will remain at Ibrox after rejecting overtures from Turkish giants Besiktas.
Besiktas initially proposed a loan with an option to buy, later escalating to a full‑time offer, but both were turned down as Rangers felt the proposals did not meet their valuation of the player. The summer transfer window saw Rangers bring in 14 new faces, matching the number of arrivals made a year earlier. However, of the players who joined the club in the previous campaign, only four have stayed on: forward Youssef Chermiti, defender Emmanuel Fernandez, midfielder Djeidi Gassama and striker Bojan Miovski. This turnover underscores the club’s ambition to refresh the roster while retaining a core group capable of delivering results.
Beyond the on‑field developments, Rangers are also engaging fans with promotional activities, such as the "Play Super 6" competition, which offers participants a chance to win a £250,000 prize at no cost. Such initiatives aim to deepen supporter involvement and maintain excitement around the club’s brand during a busy period of change. In summary, the deadline‑day acquisitions of Kevin Kelsy and Badredine Bouanani signal Rangers’ intent to strengthen their attacking options with youthful, dynamic talent. Both players have expressed a strong desire to contribute to the club’s success, and manager Derek McInnes appears confident that they will add depth and quality to a side already packed with ambition.
As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on Ibrox to see how these signings integrate into the squad and whether they can help Rangers achieve their lofty goals both domestically and in Europe.