Kevin Kelsy Rangers Transfer Delayed by MLS Payment Rule

Kevin Kelsy's transfer to Rangers has been delayed due to a financial payment owed to the player, despite the £9.5million deal being agreed. The 22-year-old Venezuelan striker is set to join as a replacement for the injured Youssef Chermiti, rounding off a summer that has seen 12 new arrivals at Ibrox. Manager Derek McInnes indicated he only expected one more signing before the deadline.

According to The Athletic, the hold-up stems from a clause in the MLS Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) that entitles Kelsy to 10 per cent of the transfer fee received by his current club, the Portland Timbers. MLS insider Tom Bogert explained the situation, stating, "Contractually, written in the CBA, players are supposed to get 10 per cent of transfer fees. It never happens. I think that should change." He confirmed the deal is worth £9.5million plus add-ons and includes a sell-on percentage.

Bogert added that Kelsy had already travelled to Europe, with the Scottish window closing soon. The delay highlights an ongoing issue within MLS regarding the enforcement of this CBA provision, with Bogert suggesting new contract language may be introduced this summer in reaction.