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 season‑long loan from German side Stuttgart, with an option to purchase at the end of the spell. Kevin Kelsy will be tied to Ibrox on an initial four‑year contract that includes a further one‑year extension clause should the club wish to keep him longer. The 22‑year‑old, who has already earned six caps for the Venezuela national team, made the move to Major League Soccer last January after leaving Ukrainian giants Shakhtar Donetsk.
During his time in the MLS, Kelsy proved to be a prolific attacker, netting 19 goals and adding five assists across 63 appearances for the Timbers. His blend of pace, technical skill and an eye for goal made him an attractive prospect for a Rangers side looking to add firepower to the front line.
After completing his medical, Kelsy spoke to the media about his excitement at joining the Scottish club: "I’ve heard a lot about Rangers. Even when I was younger I watched the team play in Europe, and I know how important the club is to its supporters.
I want to bring joy to the fans, score goals and create unforgettable moments for the team. We have to win every game 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 highlighted both his respect for the club’s heritage and his personal ambition to make an immediate impact. Manager Derek McInnes echoed those sentiments, praising Kelsy’s attributes and his hunger to succeed: "We’re delighted to welcome Kevin to Rangers. He’s an exciting player with a great skill set, and what stood out in our talks was his desire to make a difference on the pitch. He will add genuine quality to an area we have been keen to strengthen, giving us another dynamic option going forward.
Kevin’s attitude is excellent and he has a strong drive to improve, so we’re looking forward to seeing what he can bring to the team." McInnes’ remarks underscored the strategic intent behind the signing – to inject fresh creativity and goal‑scoring potential into a side that aims to compete on multiple fronts. The second addition, Badredine Bouanani, completed the club’s summer business after passing his medical examinations. The 21‑year‑old Algerian international joined Rangers on loan from Stuttgart, with a purchase option embedded in the agreement. Bouanani’s career path has been notable: after developing in the youth system at Nice, he transferred to Stuttgart last season, where he recorded two goals and two assists in his debut campaign in the Bundesliga.
His pace, dribbling ability and willingness to take on defenders make him a valuable asset on the flanks. Upon his unveiling, Bouanani expressed his enthusiasm for the challenge ahead: "I’m very happy to be here and excited to get started.
I know the Scottish Premiership is a tough league with a lot of physical battles and intensity, so I’ll have to work hard. I have gained a lot of experience over the past year, and I’ll try to apply that knowledge in this competition." His statement reflects an understanding of the physical demands of Scottish football and a commitment to adapt his game accordingly. In addition to the two new signings, Rangers also confirmed that midfielder Nico Raskin will remain at Ibrox after the club turned down interest from Turkish side Besiktas. Besiktas initially pursued Raskin on a loan deal with an option to buy, before submitting a permanent offer that was ultimately rejected because it did not meet Rangers’ valuation.
The decision to keep Raskin underscores the club’s determination to retain key squad members while still reshaping the roster. Overall, the total of 14 incoming players matches the number of arrivals the club made in the previous summer.
However, squad turnover remains high; of the signings made a year ago, 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 at a club with Rangers’ ambitions, as the management seeks to balance continuity with the injection of fresh talent.
The new acquisitions are expected to provide immediate depth and competition for places in the attacking third. Kelsy’s proven goal‑scoring record in MLS and his international experience should give Rangers a reliable option in front of goal, while Bouanani’s speed and ability to stretch defenses could open up new tactical possibilities for McInnes. Both players will need to adapt quickly to the physicality and tempo of the Scottish Premiership, but their statements suggest a readiness to embrace the challenge.
Fans of the club have been encouraged to engage with the club’s promotional campaign, which includes a Super 6 competition offering a £250,000 prize. The initiative is part of Rangers’ broader effort to maintain strong community ties and keep supporters involved throughout the season. In summary, Rangers’ deadline‑day activity reflects a clear strategy: reinforce the attacking line with a mix of proven goal‑scorers and youthful flair, retain key midfield talent, and continue to build a squad capable of challenging for domestic titles and performing in European competitions.
The arrivals of Kevin Kelsy and Badredine Bouanani, alongside the decision to keep Nico Raskin, demonstrate a proactive approach to squad development as the club looks ahead to the upcoming campaign.