Image source, Getty Images
Image caption, Kevin Kelsy has played in four countries already – including in Europe with Shakhtar Donetsk
- Published19 minutes ago
From hiding in a truck to avoid a travel ban to living through the war in Ukraine – Kevin Kelsy’s short journey in the game so far has been a colourful one.
The 22-year-old Portland Timbers striker could be about to add a new chapter, with a transfer to Rangers reportedly agreed.
But what might he bring to Ibrox – and how has he got to the brink of a move to Glasgow?
‘Kelsy is a solid block’
The Venezuela forward started his career in his homeland with Mineros de Guayana, making his debut in 2021 at the age of 16.
That very early start to his career demonstrates Kelsy’s natural talent, and his journey to Mineros shows his determination and his spirit.
To get there, he had to travel 500 miles from his hometown of Valencia. There was only one problem – Covid-19 meant there was a nationwide travel ban.
To avoid detection at checkpoints, he hid in a mining truck.
“It wasn’t an appropriate time to be using airports or anything to do with [travel] – so Mineros’ president and my agent had an idea,” Kelsy said earlier this year, speaking to a Portland Timbers blog.
“Thinking about it, yeah, the idea was crazy to be honest. I was so young, I only let myself be guided by my dreams, not thinking about the craziness of what I was doing.
“It was all for my dream, which was to be a professional athlete, to play in Europe.”
The year after Kelsy’s debut, he began to make his mark, with five goals in 24 appearances.
That led to his dream move to Europe, signing for Shakhtar Donetsk after a spell in Uruguay with Boston River.
Over his two title-winning seasons with Shakhtar, he netted nine goals in 37 appearances to the backdrop of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
“It was my first experience outside of my country and a very drastic change,” Kelsy said. “Both culturally and sporting.
“There were times when I lived first hand the attacks on the country, but also saw how the country defended itself,” Kelsy said.
“I won’t lie to you, I could see up in the sky war drones getting knocked down.
“They’re moments that will forge you, mature you. I think ultimately dreams are bigger than anything else, so I tried not to mind all those things the best I could.”
-
Rangers bolster wing options with signing of Kim
- Published3 days ago
-
Respite for under-pressure McInnes as Rangers edge out Aberdeen
And it was those dreams that again pushed him to move – this time to the United States – in search of more regular minutes.
He made his first move to Major League Soccer with a loan spell at FC Cincinnati in 2024.
His six goals in 29 appearances in Ohio was enough to win a move to Portland Timbers. There, he has kept up a similar goals ratio with nine in 34.
Standing at over six foot, Kelsy offers Rangers some of the height in attack lacking following Youssef Chermiti’s early season anterior cruciate ligament injury.
Left-footed and physically imposing, the Venezuelan is used to leading an attack.
Timbers general manager Ned Grabavoy outlined the qualities he brings.
“I thought he was tall,” Grabavoy said. “I’m not the tallest guy in the room, but man, I got to say, he’s just a solid block.
“His work ethic at times, it’s almost like he’s overworking.
“A big thing with him is to try and show him how to work efficiently, how to work within our group and how to work within our team.
“As he’s opened up and got more comfortable during his time here. He’s starting to take direction and utilise it and maximise it to be the best version of himself on the field.”
Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,
Kevin Kelsy has scored 19 goals in 63 appearances for Portland Timbers
Future for Shankland, Naderi & Miovski
Lawrence Shankland was Rangers’ marquee summer signing even before Derek McInnes had joined from Hearts.
At Tynecastle, Shankland continued as Hearts captain during McInnes’ sole season as head coach and scored 24 goals in 40 games.
McInnes made Shankland Rangers captain following James Tavernier’s departure at the end of last season.
However, the new skipper has not been a certain starter. Three of his six appearances so far this season have been off the bench and he got his first Premiership goal on Sunday – converting the penalty that defeated Aberdeen.
Chermiti began as a lone striker in the first leg of Rangers’ Europa League qualifying defeat by Jagiellonia Bialystok but after his injury, Ryan Naderi took over as McInnes’ preferred forward prior to the Aberdeen match, scoring twice in three games.
Miovski, who was in and out of the Rangers team in his debut campaign last term and scored 14 goals in 47 games, has made just one appearance off the bench so far this season. He would appear to be McInnes’ least favoured option in attack.
If Kelsy joins, one central striker could leave Ibrox even with Chermiti a long-term absentee – and former Aberdeen striker Miovski would be the favourite to depart.
Related topics
- Football
- Scottish Football
- Scottish Premiership
- Rangers
