Rangers are set to land one of the most talked-about young strikers in Major League Soccer after agreeing a deal worth $13m (£9.6m) plus add-ons to sign Venezuela international Kevin Kelsy from Portland Timbers. A sell-on percentage has also been negotiated into the agreement, suggesting the Ibrox club see the 22-year-old as an asset they can develop and potentially profit from further down the line.
The noises out of both clubs have been positive for some time, and the deal now appears to be done. Kelsy arrives as Rangers look to sharpen their attacking options and add some genuine pace and physicality to their frontline heading into a critical season in Scottish football.
Manager Derek McInnes has spoken publicly about what he called the "longest transfer window ever", and the Kelsy signing represents a significant statement of intent. Whether or not it proves to be money well spent will depend on how quickly the South American adapts to life in Glasgow, but the fee suggests the club's recruitment team have done their homework and rate him highly.
Celtic's mixed window
Across the city, Celtic have had a transfer window of contrasting fortunes. On the outgoing front, they will receive a reported £6.5m plus add-ons for Reo Hatate, whose move to Burnley was confirmed on Tuesday. It is a solid return for a midfielder who served the club well, and the funds give Brendan Rodgers something to work with.
However, the Hoops were unable to land a key midfield target. Talks with Torino over Gvidas Gineitis reached an advanced stage before ultimately stalling, with the two clubs failing to reach an agreement. It is a blow for Celtic, who had clearly identified the Lithuanian as a priority addition to their engine room.
There was further disappointment on the defensive front. A late loan approach to bring left-back Greg Taylor back from Greek side PAOK did not come off, leaving Celtic short of options in that position.
On a more encouraging note, former Southampton midfielder Will Smallbone — now a free agent — has been mentioned as a player of potential interest. The 25-year-old would represent a low-cost option with Premier League experience, and Celtic may well explore that avenue in the coming days if they can get a deal over the line.
Elsewhere in Scottish football
Dundee have rebuffed attempts to prise away midfielder Ethan Hamilton, with Aberdeen among the clubs to have made approaches. The Tayside club appear determined to keep hold of a player they clearly value, and those interested parties will need to go back in significantly if they want to force the issue.
Former Rangers striker Kris Boyd has meanwhile added his voice to those questioning the Ibrox club's reluctance to cash in on top-earning assets. Boyd singled out Belgium midfielder Nico Raskin as someone he believes the club should have moved on at the right price, a view that is likely to divide opinion among the support.
FAQs
Frequently asked
- How much did Rangers pay for Kevin Kelsy?
- Rangers agreed a fee of $13m (approximately £9.6m) with Portland Timbers for Kevin Kelsy, with additional add-ons and a sell-on percentage also included in the deal.
- How much did Celtic get for Reo Hatate?
- Celtic are set to receive £6.5m plus add-ons for Reo Hatate, who completed his move to Burnley on Tuesday.
- Why did Celtic's move for Gvidas Gineitis fall through?
- Celtic's pursuit of Torino midfielder Gvidas Gineitis broke down because the two clubs were unable to reach an agreement, despite negotiations progressing to an advanced stage.