Rangers chase front‑line revival with Kelsy signing and Bouanani loan

Rangers have sealed a double deadline‑day swoop, bringing Venezuelan striker Kevin Kelsy and Algerian winger Badredine Bouanani to Ibrox. Kelsy, a £9.2 million acquisition from MLS side Portland Timbers, signs a four‑year contract with a fifth‑year option, while Bouanani arrives on a season‑long loan.

Filling the void left by Chermiti

Youssef Chermiti suffered a serious knee injury against Hibernian last month, leaving Rangers short of a dynamic forward. The club earmarked Kelsy as a priority target to replace the missing firepower. His arrival addresses the immediate gap in the attacking line.

The 22‑year‑old Venezuelan international progressed through Mineros de Guayana before a brief spell at Boston River in Uruguay. He then joined Shakhtar Donetsk in January 2023, gaining experience in European competition. His move to Portland Timbers in January 2025 followed a loan at FC Cincinnati.

Financial outlay and contract terms

Rangers paid £9.2 million for Kelsy, the second‑largest fee in the club’s history after the £12 million spent on Tore Andre Flo in 2000. Some reports listed the amount as £9 million, but the official figure stands at £9.2 million. The four‑year deal includes an option for a fifth season.

Kelsy joins a forward line that already features Lawrence Shankland, Ryan Naderi and Bojan Miovski. Manager Derek McInnes said the signing gives him another quality option up front. The added depth should sharpen the battle for starting places.

Twenty‑one‑year‑old Badredine Bouanani arrives from Stuttgart on a year‑long loan, having operated on the right wing. He moved to Germany from Nice in 2025 and previously scored against Rangers in a European tie. The Algerian expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “I would love to bring some joy to the fans and the club, and score goals to bring amazing moments to the team.”

The double signing brings Rangers’ total window activity to fourteen players, either permanent or on loan. Thelo Aasgaard headed the opposite way, joining Anderlecht on loan, while Nico Raskin remains after the club turned down a second bid from Turkish side Besiktas.

Derek McInnes praised Kelsy, stating, “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.” The manager added that Kelsy’s attitude and desire to improve fit the Rangers ethos.

By JOHN MCGARRY, SCOTTISH CHIEF SPORTS FEATURE WRITER, September 2026. Kelsy will report to training next week, while Bouanani prepares for his debut under McInnes. Their integration will be watched closely as Rangers aim to sustain momentum in the Scottish Premiership.