If a recent transfer update from The Athletic’s Tom Bogert is true, Rangers have tabled an offer of around $10m for Kevin Kelsy. Other clubs are also keeping close tabs on the Portland Timbers hitman, but neither the MLS side nor the young attacker is willing to part ways this summer.
The 22-year-old Venezuelan international progressed through Mineros de Guayana’s academy ranks back in his homeland before breaking into their first-team squad. He then completed a €600k transfer to Uruguayan outfit Boston River, but left for Ukrainian giants Shakhtar Donetsk, who splashed €3.50m a few weeks later.
After showing promise in limited opportunities, Kelsy was loaned out to FC Cincinnati for regular minutes. There, he netted six times in 23 MLS appearances, and Shakhtar decided to cash in on him last year when the Timbers splashed $6m to secure his services. The striking ace has flourished in Oregon over time and is enjoying a blistering run so far this season, netting 9 goals and laying on 3 assists in 20 appearances across competitions.
Why Rangers Are After A New Centre-forward
Rangers, on paper, have ample depth high up the pitch. But Youssef Chermiti’s devastating ACL injury has left them with Lawrence Shankland, Bojan Miovski and Ryan Naderi. Derek McInnes prefers a physical front pairing in his trademark 4-4-2 system, and with the games arriving thick and fast, the parity needs to be restored, particularly after a frantic start to life under the Scottish boss.
PORTLAND, OREGON – JULY 22: Kevin Kelsy #19 of Portland Timbers celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the second half at Providence Park on July 22, 2026 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images)
Shankland was key to Hearts’ fairy-tale run under McInnes but has yet to replicate a similar impact while spearheading the attack. Naderi, a willing runner with immense work rate and energy, has struggled to convert his intensity into consistency since his winter move from the third-tier German outfit Hansa Rostock. Bojan Miovski, known for his poaching traits, offers little in the build-up, and deploying him alongside Shankland would see the pair crowd central spaces, reducing the team’s defensive pressing from the front.
Kelsy is still developing his skills but has already grabbed attention for aerial dominance, physical presence, and ability to attack the box with clever off-the-ball runs and close-range finishing. He does not play a heavy role in the buildup play either, but his directness and vertical progression could resolve the ongoing conundrum up top. The youngster has a very high ceiling, and his profile and frame make him a perfect fit for McInnes’ strategy and game plan. Rangers are also chasing the Sheffield United sensation Ryan Oné, and it remains to be seen whether they intensify their interest in the South American.