Sources: Kevin Kelsy to Rangers update after offer submitted

Rangers may find a deal to bring in Portland Timbers striker Kevin Kelsy “difficult” to do this summer, sources have told Football Insider.

Reports emerged on Friday that the Gers had submitted a £7.4million offer for the 22-year-old striker.

However, with the MLS side in no rush to sell and the attacker not pushing for an exit, the Old Firm side may have to really push the boat out if they want to bring him in before the transfer window closes.

The Venezuela international has been on Rangers’ “contingency list” in case something happened to Youssef Chermiti.

Now, after the Gers attacker picked up an ACL injury, the club submitted an opening bid for Kelsy.

The striker has a solid 2026 campaign to date at Timbers, as he netted 10 goals in 20 matches in all competitions.

How good is Kevin Kelsy?

To date, Kelsy has had an excellent campaign in the MLS.

The striker has been netting goals for fun, with Timbers currently sitting eighth in the Western Division.

As a result, many of Kelsy’s stats are simply outstanding, which has no doubt helped to attract the interest of Rangers.

According to Fotmob on 14 August, the striker is currently averaging 0.82 goals, a 0.72 xG, 3.45 shots, 1.36 shots on target, 0.18 assists, a 0.08 xA, 1.45 chances created, 0.36 big chances created and 3.36 aerial duels won, with a 64.9 per cent overall success rate per 90 minutes in the MLS.

Therefore, it is perhaps not too much of a surprise that Rangers want to bring in the six-foot-four-inch attacker before the transfer window closes.

How does Kelsy compare to Youseff Chermiti?

If Rangers can get a deal over the line for Kelsy, then the attacker should be a direct replacement for Chermiti while he is out on the sidelines.

When comparing the MLS striker’s stats to that of the Rangers man, Kelsy appears to be the better attacker.

Per 90 minutes, Chermiti was averaging 0.68 goals, a 0.59 xG, 3.56 shots, 1.64 shots on target, 0.23 assists, a 0.10 xA, 0.91 chances created, 0.18 big chances created, and 4.24 aerial duels won, with a 51.4 per cent overall success rate in the Scottish Premiership.

As a result, Kelsy could prove to be an excellent replacement if they can get a deal over the line.