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 confirmed a season‑long loan deal for Algerian winger Badredine Bouanani, who arrives from German side Stuttgart.
Both signings are intended to bolster a squad that is eager to compete on domestic and European fronts. Kevin Kelsy has agreed to a four‑year contract with Rangers, with an additional one‑year extension option built into the agreement.
The 22‑year‑old has already earned six caps for the Venezuelan national team and made a high‑profile move to Major League Soccer last January after departing Shakhtar Donetsk in Ukraine. During his stint with Portland, Kelsy proved his attacking credentials by netting 19 goals and delivering five assists across 63 appearances, showcasing a blend of pace, technical skill and finishing ability that attracted interest from several European clubs. Upon unveiling at Ibrox, Kelsy spoke about his enthusiasm for joining the Scottish giants: "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 remarks underline a clear understanding of the expectations that come with wearing the Rangers shirt and a desire to make an immediate impact.
Manager Derek McInnes echoed those sentiments, praising Kelsy’s attributes 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 highlighted that Kelsy’s versatility – capable of playing across the front line – adds depth to a side that has already invested heavily in attacking talent. The second addition, Badredine Bouanani, completed his move after passing a medical examination. The 21‑year‑old Algerian international arrived on a loan that includes an option to purchase permanently at the end of the season.
Bouanani’s career path has taken him from Nice in France to Stuttgart in the Bundesliga, where he recorded two goals and two assists during his first season in Germany. In his introductory comments, he expressed optimism about the challenge ahead: "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 commitment to adapt quickly.
Both signings arrive as Rangers continue to reinforce a squad that has seen significant turnover over the past twelve months. The club recently turned down offers for midfielder Nico Raskin from Turkish side Besiktas. Besiktas initially proposed a loan with an option to buy, later escalating to a permanent bid, but Rangers deemed the proposals insufficient relative to their valuation of the player, opting to retain his services for the upcoming campaign. The summer transfer window saw Rangers bring in fourteen new players, matching the total number of arrivals from the previous year.
Of those who joined the Ibrox outfit in the prior season, only four remain in the first‑team picture: striker Youssef Chermiti, defender Emmanuel Fernandez, midfielder Djeidi Gassama and forward Bojan Miovski. This turnover underscores the club’s strategy of continual refreshment, aiming to assemble a roster capable of challenging for the Scottish Premiership title while also making deeper runs in European competitions.
Beyond the on‑field implications, the signings have generated excitement among the fan base, who eagerly anticipate seeing Kelsy’s goal‑scoring instincts and Bouanani’s flair on the wing. Both players bring international experience – Kelsy with his Venezuelan caps and Bouanani with his Algerian youth representation – which should aid Rangers in high‑pressure fixtures. In summary, Rangers’ deadline‑day activity reflects a clear intent to strengthen key attacking positions. Kevin Kelsy arrives with a proven record in MLS and a hunger to succeed at a historic club, while Badredine Bouanani offers youthful energy and a willingness to adapt to the rigors of the Scottish game.
The club’s refusal to sell Nico Raskin demonstrates a commitment to retaining core talent, and the overall transfer strategy suggests a balanced approach of immediate impact signings combined with long‑term potential. Supporters can look forward to a new season where these additions may play pivotal roles in delivering trophies and memorable moments for the Rangers faithful. Play Super 6 for a chance to win £250k! Enter for free.