NafisaRangers have completed one of the most significant pieces of business of their summer transfer window, with the Ibrox side moving quickly to secure a striker who had become one of the most sought-after young forwards in MLS.
The arrival comes at an important moment for Derek McInnes, who has been looking to strengthen his attacking options after losing Youssef Chermiti to a serious injury. Rangers needed another forward capable of adding goals, physical presence and competition for places, and the club eventually turned their attention across the Atlantic.
There was plenty of intrigue surrounding the deal as the final stages of negotiations unfolded, particularly with the transfer involving a player who had been producing consistently in front of goal for Portland Timbers.
Rangers have now officially got their man.
The Portland Timbers have confirmed that Venezuelan striker Kevin Kelsy has joined Rangers, with the Scottish Premiership club paying a reported club-record fee of $13 million, alongside add-ons and a sell-on percentage.
The 22-year-old leaves Portland after an impressive campaign in MLS, having established himself as the Timbers’ leading scorer with nine goals and four assists in 20 appearances.
Kelsy’s departure represents a major financial transaction for Portland, but the club believes the deal can also help shape its future.
“While these decisions are always difficult, this was an opportunity that made sense for all involved. The return allows us to be aggressive over the next six to 12 months and acquire new young emerging talent, and it is a step in Kevin’s career with the ambition to reach the highest level,” said Timbers general manager Ned Grabavoy.
“This is further testimony to our club’s ability to provide opportunities and commit to supporting the development of these young players on and off the field. We wish Kevin great success and look forward to watching his progress from afar.”
Kelsy joined Portland in 2025 after previously playing for FC Cincinnati and quickly became an important part of their attacking setup.
Across three MLS seasons, the Venezuelan has registered 25 goals and five assists in 92 appearances in all competitions, giving Rangers a forward with a sizeable amount of experience despite his relatively young age.
His move to Ibrox also represents another step up in his career, with Rangers offering him the opportunity to compete for trophies and European football while playing under the pressure that comes with representing one of Scotland’s biggest clubs.
Internationally, Kelsy has already made five appearances for Venezuela since making his senior debut in September 2025.
For Portland, his departure leaves a significant hole in their attack.
The Timbers will now rely primarily on Vincent Janssen and Gage Guerra as their main striker options. Janssen only arrived in late July but brings considerable experience of his own, including representing the Netherlands at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The timing of Kelsy’s departure is also notable because Portland are still adapting to life under new head coach Martí Cifuentes, who was appointed in late July.
Rangers, meanwhile, will be hoping Kelsy’s goals can immediately translate to Scottish football.
The Venezuelan becomes the second MLS player to make the move to Ibrox this summer, following Philadelphia Union defender Olwethu Makhanya, the South African international who also joined the historic Scottish club.
For McInnes, Kelsy’s arrival gives Rangers another option in an attacking department that has already undergone considerable change.
The striker’s record-breaking price tag will inevitably bring expectations, but his recent numbers suggest Rangers are not simply paying for potential. They are bringing in a forward who has already demonstrated an ability to produce goals at senior level.
Now comes the biggest test: translating that form to the Scottish Premiership and proving that Rangers’ record investment in him can become one of the defining decisions of their season.
Nafisa
