Rangers have completed the signing of Portland Timbers striker Kevin Kelsy in a deal worth around £9.5 million, with Derek McInnes now looking to potentially add another attacking player before the 5pm Scottish transfer deadline.
The long-running Kevin Kelsy transfer saga has finally reached its conclusion.
The 22-year-old Venezuela international has completed his move to Rangers from MLS side Portland Timbers, with the overall package reported to be worth around $13 million (£9.5m), potentially rising further through add-ons.
The deal also includes a sell-on percentage for Portland.
Kevin Kelsy deal finally completed
Kelsy’s move had been in the works for several days after Rangers agreed terms with Portland.
The transfer was delayed by final formalities, including visa and work-permit requirements, as well as issues surrounding the structure of the deal.
Those obstacles have now been overcome.
The Athletic’s Tom Bogert was among the first to report the agreement, while subsequent reports confirmed that Kelsy’s transfer to Ibrox had been finalised. The Scottish Sun has also reported that the deal is now done.
The striker’s arrival gives Rangers the additional attacking option Derek McInnes desperately needed following Youssef Chermiti’s serious knee injury.
A £9.5m statement signing
This is not a cheap gamble for Rangers.
The reported £9.5m package makes Kelsy one of the biggest signings in the club’s history and represents a major investment in McInnes’ squad.
Kelsy is a powerful 6ft 4in centre-forward who has developed a reputation for his physicality, pace and goalscoring ability.
His numbers in MLS also explain why Portland were reluctant to let him go.
Kelsy scored 16 goals in 43 appearances for the Timbers, according to reporting from The Guardian, after initially joining the club from Shakhtar Donetsk.
Portland’s own player information confirms that Kelsy was under contract through 2028, with an option for 2029, highlighting the strength of the position the MLS club held during negotiations.
Why Rangers moved for Kelsy
The move became increasingly important after Chermiti suffered an ACL injury.
Rangers had initially not expected to spend heavily on another striker, but the injury changed McInnes’ plans.
Lawrence Shankland has been leading the line, but the Rangers manager wanted another genuine number nine who could provide a different physical dimension.
Kelsy fits that description perfectly.
At 6ft 4in, he provides Rangers with a powerful target at the top end of the pitch and gives McInnes another option when Rangers need to play more directly.
He could also eventually form an intriguing partnership with Shankland if McInnes decides to use two strikers.
Rangers’ 13th signing of the summer
Kelsy’s arrival represents Rangers’ 13th signing of the summer transfer window.
It has been an extremely busy period of recruitment at Ibrox, with McInnes overseeing a major rebuilding operation.
The size of the Kelsy investment demonstrates just how seriously Rangers are taking the need to strengthen their attacking options.
However, the story may not end with the Venezuelan striker.
Rangers pushing for another signing
Despite completing the Kelsy deal, Rangers are still working on another potential arrival.
The latest reports indicate that the club are pushing to sign Badredine Bouanani from VfB Stuttgart on deadline day.
The Algerian winger is reportedly undergoing a medical as Rangers attempt to complete an initial loan deal, with an option to buy understood to be part of the proposed agreement.
Bouanani would provide another option in the wide areas and could become Rangers’ 14th signing of the summer if the deal is completed.
5pm deadline adds to the drama
Rangers now have very little time to complete any additional business.
The Scottish transfer window closes at 5pm today, meaning the club must get the necessary paperwork completed before the deadline if Bouanani is to become a Rangers player.
McInnes had previously suggested that Kelsy could potentially be his final signing, but reports on deadline day indicate that Rangers remain determined to explore one more attacking addition.
Is Kevin Kelsy the striker Rangers have been waiting for?
There is certainly reason for Rangers supporters to be excited.
Kelsy arrives with an impressive physical profile, international experience and a significant goalscoring record in MLS.
But the £9.5m price tag inevitably brings pressure.
Rangers will expect an immediate contribution from a player who has effectively been brought in to help compensate for the loss of Chermiti.
The biggest question now is how quickly Kelsy can adapt to Scottish football.
If he settles quickly, his pace, power and aerial presence could give Rangers a completely different dimension in attack.
And with Shankland already providing a proven goalscoring threat, McInnes could eventually have the ingredients for a very dangerous front two.
Verdict
The original £9m transfer claim was very close to the mark, but the situation has moved beyond a rumour.
Kevin Kelsy is now a Rangers player, with the deal reported at around £9.5m.
The bigger question is whether he will be the final major piece of McInnes’ summer rebuild.
With Rangers simultaneously pushing for Badredine Bouanani and the Scottish deadline looming at 5pm, there could still be another twist before the window closes.
One thing is certain: Rangers are not finished working yet.
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