By JOHN MCGARRY, SCOTTISH CHIEF SPORTS FEATURE WRITER
Published: 19:44 BST, 3 September 2026 | Updated: 20:14 BST, 3 September 2026
Rangers have completed a double deadline day swoop by signing Kevin Kelsy and Badredine Bouanani.
Kelsy was identified as a priority target when Youssef Chermiti sustained a serious knee injury against Hibernian last month.
The Venezuelan international forward has cost the Ibrox club £9.2million from MLS side Portland Timbers and has signed a four-year deal with an option of a fifth.
The 22-year-old gives manager Derek McInnes another option up front to compete with Lawrence Shankland, Ryan Naderi and Bojan Miovski.
The fee is the second highest in Rangers’ history, second only to the £12m spent on Tore Andre Flo in 2000.
Kelsy came through the ranks of Mineros de Guayana in his home country then moved to Uruguayan outfit Boston River for a short spell before joining Shakhtar Donetsk in January, 2023.
Rangers unveiled the £9million signing of striker Kevin Kelsy from Portland Timbers
The Ibrox club also secured the loan addition of Algerian Badredine Bouanani from Stuttgart
He then joined Portland Timbers in January 2025 after a loan spell at FC Cincinnati.
‘I’ve heard a lot about the club,’ he said. ‘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.’
Boss Derek McInnes said: ‘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.
