Kevin Kelsy has hidden inside a mining truck to dodge a travel ban, and watched war drones fall from Ukrainian skies. At just 22 years old, the Portland Timbers striker has already lived enough for a career twice as long — and he could be about to write his next chapter at Ibrox, with a transfer to Rangers reportedly agreed.

From Valencia to Glasgow — via a mining truck

Kelsy began his career at Mineros de Guayana in Venezuela, making his debut in 2021 at the age of 16. Getting there required travelling 500 miles from his hometown of Valencia — but Covid-19 travel restrictions made a straightforward trip impossible.

Rather than miss his chance, Kelsy concealed himself inside a mining truck to pass through checkpoints undetected. "Thinking about it, yeah, the idea was crazy to be honest," he told a Portland Timbers blog earlier this year. "I was so young, I only let myself be guided by my dreams, not thinking about the craziness of what I was doing."

His determination paid off quickly. In his second season, he scored five goals in 24 appearances — form that earned him a move to Europe via a spell in Uruguay with Boston River, before signing for Shakhtar Donetsk.

Title winner — amid the conflict in Ukraine

Kelsy won two league titles with Shakhtar, netting nine goals in 37 appearances across those seasons. His time in Ukraine, however, came against the backdrop of the ongoing war with Russia.

"There were times when I lived first hand the attacks on the country, but also saw how the country defended itself," he said. "I won't lie to you, I could see up in the sky war drones getting knocked down."

Rather than allow the conflict to derail his ambitions, Kelsy drew resolve from it. "They're moments that will forge you, mature you," he said. "I think ultimately dreams are bigger than anything else, so I tried not to mind all those things the best I could."

Making his mark in MLS

Seeking consistent game time, Kelsy moved to Major League Soccer, joining FC Cincinnati on loan in 2024. Six goals in 29 appearances earned him a permanent switch to Portland Timbers, where he has sustained that output with nine goals in 34 games.

Portland Timbers general manager Ned Grabavoy offered a vivid description of the striker's physical presence. "I got to say, he's just a solid block," Grabavoy said. "His work ethic at times, it's almost like he's overworking." Grabavoy added that Kelsy has grown into his role at the club, becoming more receptive to coaching and more effective on the pitch.

What Kelsy could offer Rangers

Standing at over six foot and left-footed, Kelsy is a physically dominant centre-forward built to lead the line — a profile Rangers have lacked since Youssef Chermiti suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury early in the season.

Lawrence Shankland, signed this summer and appointed captain following James Tavernier's departure, has made only three starts in six appearances and converted his first Premiership goal — a penalty — against Aberdeen on Sunday. Ryan Naderi scored twice in three games as manager Derek McInnes' preferred striker before that match, while Olek Miovski, who scored 14 goals in 47 games last season, has managed just one substitute appearance so far this term.

Should Kelsy arrive at Ibrox, it is Miovski who appears most likely to depart — even with Chermiti a long-term absentee from the squad.