Portland Timbers transfer Kevin Kelsy to Rangers FC | OneFootball

By Jonathan Sigal

TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Transfer

The Portland Timbers have transferred striker Kevin Kelsy to Scottish Premiership powerhouse Rangers FC, the club announced Thursday.

The 22-year-old Venezuelan international departs for a club-record fee of reportedly $13 million, plus add-ons and a sell-on percentage.

Kelsy was Portland's leading scorer this season with 9g/4a in 20 matches, pacing their attack alongside Kristoffer Velde and David Da Costa.

"While these decisions are always difficult, this was an opportunity that made sense for all involved. The return allows us to be aggressive over the next six to 12 months and acquire new young emerging talent, and it is a step in Kevin’s career with the ambition to reach the highest level," said Timbers general manager Ned Grabavoy.

"This is further testimony to our club’s ability to provide opportunities and commit to supporting the development of these young players on and off the field. We wish Kevin great success and look forward to watching his progress from afar."

Kelsy held a U22 Initiative roster spot with Portland, whom he joined in 2025 after playing for FC Cincinnati. During his three MLS seasons, Kelsy tallied 25g/5a in 92 matches (all competitions).

Internationally, Kelsy has played five times for Venezuela since debuting in September 2025.

With Kelsy's exit, Portland turn to Vincent Janssen and Gage Guerra as their main strikers. Janssen was signed in late July and represented the Netherlands at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Further, the Timbers are early into playing under head coach Martí Cifuentes. The Spanish manager was appointed in late July.

Kelsy is the second MLS player to join Rangers this summer; the Philadelphia Union also transferred South African international defender Olwethu Makhanya to the historic club.

READ MORE: MLS Transfer Tracker