Rangers have finalized two significant signings on the final day of the transfer window, bringing in Venezuelan striker Kevin Kelsy from the Portland Timbers for a reported fee of £9 million and securing a season‑long loan for Algerian winger Badredine Bouanani from German side Stuttgart. Kevin Kelsy has committed to an initial four‑year contract with the Glasgow club, with an additional year option built into the deal. The 22‑year‑old forward, who has already earned six caps for the Venezuela national team, made his way to Major League Soccer after departing Ukrainian giants Shakhtar Donetsk in January of last year. During his spell with the Timbers, Kelsy proved prolific, finding the net 19 times and adding five assists across 63 league appearances, showcasing a blend of pace, finishing ability and a keen eye for goal.
Upon unveiling, Kelsy expressed his enthusiasm for the move: "I’ve heard a lot about Rangers. Even as a youngster I watched the team in Europe and understood how much the club means to its supporters. I want to bring joy to the fans, score goals and create unforgettable moments for the side. We have to win every match and play at a high level, and I’m ready to do that with my new teammates.
This is a new chapter in my life and I’m eager to start it." His comments underline both his respect for the club’s heritage and his personal ambition to make an immediate impact on the pitch. Manager Derek McInnes echoed those sentiments, praising Kelsy’s attributes and hunger: "We are delighted to welcome Kevin to Rangers.
He is an exciting player with a great skill set, but what really stood out in our talks was his appetite to make a difference. He adds genuine quality to a part of the field where we have been looking to improve, and his arrival gives us another dynamic option moving forward.
Kevin’s attitude is excellent and his desire to develop is evident – we can’t wait to see what he brings to the team." McInnes’ remarks hint at the tactical flexibility Kelsy could provide, whether leading the line or operating in a supporting role. The second addition, 21‑year‑old Badredine Bouanani, completed his medical and became the final summer signing for the Ibrox side. The Algerian international, who transferred to Stuttgart from Nice last season, arrived on a loan with an option to purchase at the end of the term.
In his debut season in the Bundesliga, Bouanani recorded two goals and two assists, demonstrating his ability to adapt to a physically demanding league. Bouanani’s own words after his introduction were full of optimism: "I am very happy to be here and excited to start.
I know the Scottish Premiership is a tough league with a lot of duels and intensity, so I will need to work hard. I have gained valuable experience now and I will try to apply it in this competition." His statement reflects an awareness of the challenges ahead and a commitment to earn his place through effort and perseverance. The club’s transfer activity this window also saw the retention of midfielder Nico Raskin, after rejecting multiple offers from Turkish side Besiktas.
Besiktas initially proposed a loan deal with an option to buy, later escalating to a permanent bid, but both proposals fell short of Rangers’ valuation, prompting the Glasgow club to keep the player for the upcoming season. Overall, Rangers’ summer recruitment mirrors the volume of signings made a year ago, with fourteen new faces joining the squad.
However, the turnover rate remains high; of the players who arrived at Ibrox in the previous campaign, only four remain in the first‑team picture: forward Youssef Chermiti, defender Emmanuel Fernandez, midfielder Djeidi Gassama and striker Bojan Miovski. This pattern underscores the club’s ongoing strategy to refresh the roster while seeking a core group capable of delivering sustained success. The arrival of Kelsy and Bouanani adds depth to the attacking line‑up, offering manager McInnes more options in both the central striker role and on the flanks. Kelsy’s proven goal‑scoring record in MLS, combined with his international experience, could provide a much‑needed boost to Rangers’ offensive output.
Meanwhile, Bouanani’s speed and dribbling prowess may stretch opposition defences, creating space for fellow forwards and contributing to a more fluid, multi‑dimensional attack. Fans will be watching closely as the new signings integrate into the squad during pre‑season training and the early league fixtures. The club’s ambition remains clear: to compete for the Scottish Premiership title, make a deep run in European competitions, and continue to grow its reputation as a destination for emerging talent from around the world.
The combination of seasoned professionals and promising youngsters reflects a balanced approach aimed at both immediate impact and long‑term development. Off the field, Rangers are also engaging supporters through promotional activities, such as the Super 6 competition offering a £250,000 prize, which encourages fan interaction and adds an extra layer of excitement to the season.
In summary, the deadline‑day signings of Kevin Kelsy and Badredine Bouanani signal Rangers’ intent to strengthen key areas of the squad, while the club’s firm stance on retaining valued players like Nico Raskin demonstrates a strategic focus on building a competitive, cohesive team for the challenges ahead.