A recent update from The Athletic suggests that Rangers have submitted an offer of approximately $10 million for Kevin Kelsy. Other clubs are monitoring the situation closely, but both Kelsy and the Portland Timbers appear unwilling to finalize a move this summer.

The 22-year-old Venezuelan international began his career in the academy of Mineros de Guayana in Venezuela, eventually making his way to the first team. He transitioned to Uruguayan side Boston River for €600,000 before moving to Ukrainian club Shakhtar Donetsk for €3.5 million shortly thereafter.

After demonstrating potential in limited appearances, Kelsy was loaned to FC Cincinnati to gain more playing time. During his loan, he scored six goals in 23 MLS matches. Last year, the Timbers acquired him for $6 million from Shakhtar, and he has since thrived in Oregon, netting nine goals and providing three assists in 20 appearances this season.

Rangers Seek Centre-forward Reinforcement

Although Rangers have considerable attacking depth, the recent ACL injury suffered by Youssef Chermiti has created a gap in their forward line. The team now relies on Lawrence Shankland, Bojan Miovski, and Ryan Naderi. Manager Derek McInnes favors a robust strike pairing in his preferred 4-4-2 formation, and with a demanding match schedule ahead, it is crucial to address this void following a chaotic start to the new campaign.

Shankland played a pivotal role in Hearts’ recent success under McInnes but has struggled to find the same form leading the Rangers’ attack. Naderi, despite his work rate and energy, has faced challenges in achieving consistency since joining the team from German club Hansa Rostock. Miovski, recognized for his goal-scoring instinct, lacks involvement in build-up play, and pairing him with Shankland may congest the central areas of the pitch, hindering the team’s defensive efforts while pressing opponents.

Kelsy continues to develop his prowess, already making waves with his aerial strength, physicality, and talent for making incisive runs into the box while finishing with precision. He does not significantly contribute to build-up play, but his directness and ability to advance the ball vertically could address the attacking dilemma facing Rangers. With a promising ceiling, his profile aligns well with McInnes’ tactical approach. The club is also pursuing Sheffield United’s rising star, Ryan Oné, leaving it to be seen how intensively they will pursue Kelsy in future transfers.

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.

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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)

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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.