Kevin Kelsy makes Rangers vow after blockbuster £9m Ibrox transfer as new striker targets goals and trophies

Kevin Kelsy has wasted no time setting his sights on success at Rangers as he promised to bring goals, silverware and plenty of memorable moments to the Ibrox fanbase after completing his £9 million transfer from Portland Timbers.

The 21-year-old Venezuelan international has arrived in Glasgow after a whirlwind period in his career, but insists he is already settling quickly into his new surroundings and is looking forward to getting started with his new team mates.

Kelsy has the added distinction of becoming the first Venezuelan player to represent the Light Blues. Having watched the club's European exploits growing up, the striker is fully aware of the expectations that come with pulling on the Rangers jersey.

“I’m happy, I’m enjoying it,” Kelsy said in his first interview on Rangers TV. “It has all been a bit rushed but I’m enjoying the process. I’m trying to make the most of my time here, get to know the guys and the facilities before the games come around, which they will soon. I’ll try to get myself ready and see how the next few days go. This is going to be very special for me.”

With Rangers expected to compete for honours domestically, Kelsy knows he will be operating in an environment where anything less than victory can bring intense scrutiny. But rather than shy away from that pressure, the new arrival says he is ready to embrace it.

“Definitely, I’m ready to embrace it,” he declared. “I’ll try to prepare myself as well as I can to avoid any difficult moments and to handle that pressure well. It’s something I know how to manage, but I’m at a new club, and I need to adapt. We have to win every game and play well. I’ll prepare for that alongside my team-mates and I’m ready for this new chapter.”

First Derek McInnes meeting left Kelsy encouraged

Kelsy has already met Rangers boss Derek McInnes, who greeted him at the club's training centre on Thursday. The pair have not yet had the opportunity for an in-depth discussion about his role, but the forward concedes his first meeting left him feeling encouraged.

“We haven’t had much time to talk yet,” he revealed. “When I arrived two days ago, he welcomed me at the training ground, which I really appreciated. He gives me a lot of confidence, and as time moves on, we’ll have the chance to talk more and for me to understand what he expects from me on the pitch as a player. We’ll gradually get to know each other better.”

Kelsy’s career has already taken him through three very different footballing environments.

He began his European journey with Shakhtar Donetsk, gaining valuable senior experience despite the difficult circumstances surrounding life in Ukraine, before moving to the United States with FC Cincinnati and subsequently Portland Timbers.

“From a football perspective, it was a very good period for me, getting the chance to play in Europe,” Kelsy reflected. “I’m grateful to have had that experience, but life there was difficult because of the situation the country was going through and is still going through. So it was a little complicated in that respect, but on a personal level, it was a great experience for me.

“Those are the kind of experiences that you learn from, that help you now and allow you to keep growing.”

Shakhtar spell provided career launchpad

His spell in the MLS ultimately proved equally important, providing Kelsy with regular first-team football and helping him develop before earning his return to Europe.

“At first, I thought it might be a step backwards in my career, but it didn’t turn out that way,” he admitted. “Playing regularly is always a positive thing wherever you are, and it helped me get to where I am today. Now, I’m back in Europe and at a great club. I also really enjoyed the country and the relaxed lifestyle.”

Now Kelsy is ready to write the next chapter of his career in Glasgow, with the significance of becoming Rangers' first Venezuelan player not lost on him.

“Being the first Venezuelan to play here for Rangers fills me with pride, and I’m very grateful for the opportunity,” he said. “It’s thanks to all the hard work and effort I’ve put in over the years. Now, it’s time to take more responsibility, enjoy the experience, and be grateful for it. I want to start this new journey in the best possible way and enjoy every moment of it.”

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