Meet Kevin Kelsy, Rangers' new striker target who matched Lionel Messi feat

Rangers have identified Portland Timbers forward Kevin Kelsy as a potential replacement for the injured Youssef Chermiti.

The Portuguese forward has been ruled for a significant period of time following an ACL injury against Hibernian.

Derek McInnes' side are not looking to stand still this season and do require another striking option in order to replace the 22-year-old.

With the Scottish Premiership the ambition, the Bears cannot afford to have those significant gaps in their side.

Rangers do have time to bring in another striker, with the window not closing until 3 September.

However, they are seemingly moving quickly to address the Chermiti injury amid reports of interest in Kelsy.

What has been said about Rangers' interest in Kevin Kelsy?

According to the Daily Record, Kelsy is one of the options on the Gers' radar this summer.

The Ibrox side are open to both signing permanent striker targets as well as bringing in a temporary solution on loan.

Kelsy is physical striker, coming in at a height of six-foot-four, with the report describing him as a "towering" forward.

In the 2026 MLS season, the 22-year-old Venezuelan has already netted nine goals and provided two assists in 17 appearances.

Kelsy would be an interesting option for the Glasgow side, with him having title-winning experience already under his belt.

From 2023 to 2025, he won two Ukrainian Premier League titles with Shakhtar Donetsk.

Additionally, he is among South American royalty, having made himself the fourth-youngest South American to score in the Champions League behind Roque Santa Cruz, Rodrygo and Lionel Messi.

The Rangers first Kelsy would bring to Ibrox

The Gers have not been scared to dip into different markets this summer, and that was clear with their move for winger Daisuke Yokota.

The Japanese forward marked the first ever Asian to play for Rangers in the entire history of the Glasgow outfit.

Now, Kelsy could join Yokota in achieving such an honour at Ibrox should this transfer move forward.

To do this date, while the Gers have routinely shopped for South American players, as per Transfermarkt, Kelsy would be the first-ever Venezuelan to play for Rangers.

Alongside both his youth and experience in winning trophies, it could be a shrewd pick up by McInnes and the Rangers recruitment department.

Perhaps Kelsy could go on to become a Gers cult hero, with Chermiti's cruel injury at least bringing one benefit.