Rangers have wrapped up their summer transfer window with a double signing on deadline day, securing Venezuelan striker Kevin Kelsy from Portland Timbers for £9 million and bringing in Algerian winger Badredine Bouanani on loan from Stuttgart until the end of the season.
Kelsy arrives hungry for goals
Kelsy, 22, has penned an initial four-year contract at Ibrox, with an option for a fifth year. Capped six times by Venezuela, he joined Portland Timbers last January after departing Ukrainian club Shakhtar Donetsk, going on to score 19 goals and register five assists in 63 appearances for the MLS side.
The young striker wasted no time making clear his ambitions at his new club. "I've heard a lot about the club. Even when I was younger, I saw the team in Europe. I know what the club means to the fans," he said.
"I would love to bring some joy to the fans and the club, and score goals to bring amazing moments to the team. I know we have to win all the games and play well, and I'll be ready for this with my teammates. I'm ready for this new chapter in my life."
Manager Derek McInnes expressed his delight at landing Kelsy. "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," McInnes said.
"He'll bring real quality to an area of the pitch we have been keen to strengthen, and his arrival gives us another exciting option going forward. Kevin has a great attitude and a real desire to improve, and we're looking forward to seeing what he can bring at Rangers."
Bouanani completes loan move from Stuttgart
Bouanani, 21, completes his move to Rangers after passing a medical. The Algerian international joined Stuttgart from Nice last year and has contributed two goals and two assists for the German club. His loan deal includes an option for Rangers to make the transfer permanent.
Raskin stays at Ibrox after Besiktas bids rejected
Midfielder Nico Raskin will remain at Rangers after the club rebuffed two approaches from Besiktas. The Turkish side first sought a loan deal with an option to buy, before returning with a permanent offer — both of which failed to meet Rangers' valuation.
14 signings mirror last summer's recruitment drive
With these two additions, Rangers have made 14 signings this summer, matching the total from the previous window. Of last summer's 14 arrivals, only four — Youssef Chermiti, Emmanuel Fernandez, Djeidi Gassama, and Bojan Miovski — are still at the club.
