Rangers Agree Record $13m Deal for Portland Striker Kevin Kelsy

Rangers have reached an agreement to acquire Venezuela forward Kevin Kelsy from the Portland Timbers in a deal reported to be worth $13 million (£9.5 million). The Guardian reported the agreement on Wednesday, citing a source with direct knowledge of the transaction who was not authorized to speak publicly.

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According to the report, the fee could rise if Kelsy meets performance targets with Rangers, while Portland will also retain a sell-on interest. The guaranteed sum would represent a club record for an outgoing Timbers transfer. The Athletic's Tom Bogert was credited with first reporting details of the deal earlier on Wednesday.

Kelsy, 22, joined Portland from Ukrainian club Shakhtar Donetsk in January 2025 for a reported $6 million. He has scored 16 goals in 43 appearances for the Major League Soccer side, establishing a productive record during his time in Oregon despite some uneven stretches.

The Guardian reported that Portland had not intended to sell Kelsy during the current window, but the size of Rangers' offer changed the club's position. The Timbers have already strengthened at center forward this summer by adding former Tottenham and Monterrey striker Vincent Janssen, and further business remains possible before the transfer window closes.

Rangers have been seeking another striker after Youssef Chermiti suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in early August. Manager Derek McInnes has publicly emphasized the need for attacking reinforcement following a difficult start in which Rangers failed to win either of their first two Scottish Premiership matches and dropped into the UEFA Conference League after losing a Europa League qualifying tie against Jagiellonia Bialystok.

Kelsy is expected to travel to Glasgow this week to complete a medical and finalize the move. He can join Rangers permanently once his visa is approved. The Guardian's source said he was highly unlikely to be available for Sunday's Scottish Premiership match against Aberdeen, leaving the timing of his debut dependent on the remaining medical and immigration steps.