Rangers deadline day lowdown on two targets including 'one of the brightest centre forwards in world football'
Rangers could seal two transfer deadline day captures
Rangers are closing in on two transfer deadline day deals - with Kevin Kelsy and a versatile attacking wildcard on the agenda for boss Derek McInnes.
The Ibrox gaffer hinted at deals on the final day of the transfer window after Wednesday’s 2-1 Premiership win against Falkirk. A deal has been agreed for Portland Timbers striker Kelsy while it’s believed winger Badredine Bouanani of Stuttgart could become their 14th summer signing. Transfer window dealings conclude at 5pm in Scotland while there are also a host of exit candidates.
It’s transfer incomings fans will be most interested in and they look set for attacking additions. But what are the Premiership side going to get in both Kelsy and Bounani?
Who is Kevin Kelsy ahead of Rangers transfer
Kelsy has been at Portland Timbers since 2025. A Venezuelan international, he started at Mineros de Guayana in his homeland before moving to Uruguay with Boston River. A foray in Europe was had at Shakhtar Donetsk where he scored in the Champions League against Porto after his move in 2023. Kelsy featured against the likes of Barcelona and Royal Antwerp prior to his first crack at America was in 2024. He made 29 appearances for FC Cincinnati and netted six goals, before moving to Portland early last year, where he has scored 19 goals.
Standing at 6ft 4, Kelsy will provide a focal point and height in attack that Rangers have missed following Youssef Chermiti’s long-term knee injury last month. Former Manchester United and Everton star Phil Neville raved about him and said upon signing Kelsy last year while in the Portland hotseat: “Kevin is a player that we’ve watched for months now. He’s young and one of the brightest centre forwards in world football.
“We’re really excited to have him join us – he’s got pace, power, a lot of development and scores goals. His great potential will fit great with the young group that we have here at Portland.”
What will Badredine Bouanani bring to Rangers?
Bouanani, meanwhile, is an Algerian international winger born in France. He came through the ranks at hometown club Lille, debuting in Ligue 1 aged 18, but properly made his name with Nice. Bouanani had a loan to Lorient in 2024 before his big move last summer, costing Stuttgart €15 million. A total package may reach up to €20 million including bonuses. That equates to around £17.1m, and while it’s not gone all his way across 28 games with four goal contributions in Germany, there is recent evidence of success.
He was a Nice regular during term 25/26 and scored a free-kick against Rangers in a 4-1 victory under Philippe Clement. It will be a case of rediscovering his form in France at Ibrox.
He can play as a number 10, winger or even in central forward areas if need be, adding versatility to McInnes’ attack. Fabian Wohlgemuth, VfB board member for sport, said last year: "Badredine Bouanani is a player we've had our eye on for some time. He can be deployed across the attack and, despite his young age, has experience of playing in European competition - including the UEFA Europa League last season. His style of play gives us additional options in attack. We're delighted to see Badredine Bouanani wearing the shirt with the red hoop and we welcome him to VfB Stuttgart."
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