Rangers’ Kevin Kelsy gamble has already paid off as value skyrockets at Ibrox

Rangers’ decision to move for Kevin Kelsy late in the summer transfer window is already beginning to look like a smart piece of business.

The Ibrox side entered the market for another striker after Youssef Chermiti suffered a long-term injury, leaving Derek McInnes with limited options in the forward positions.

The situation became even more difficult when Lawrence Shankland was also ruled out for an extended spell, leaving Ryan Naderi and Bojan Miovski as the main forwards with experience of Scottish football.

That made Kelsy an important addition, although there was naturally some uncertainty over how quickly the Venezuelan would adjust to a new league and a different style of football.

Rangers ultimately decided to take the risk, and the early signs suggest their decision is beginning to pay off.

Kevin Kelsy’s current market value

Kelsy arrived at Rangers for a significant fee, with the club agreeing a deal worth around £9.6 million for the 22-year-old, plus potential add-ons.

Although the striker is still waiting for his first Scottish Premiership goal after three appearances, he has already shown his ability on a big occasion.

Kelsy produced a goal and an assist against Celtic in the Scottish League Cup, immediately making an impression in one of the biggest fixtures of the season.

His performances have also been reflected in his latest market valuation.

Figures from the CIES Football Observatory put Kelsy’s current value at approximately £13.2 million.

That would mean Rangers have, at least on paper, secured a player whose current valuation is around £3.6 million higher than the initial fee they paid to bring him to Glasgow.

There is still the possibility that the eventual cost of the transfer will increase if the various add-ons are triggered, but the early valuation suggests Rangers may have secured Kelsy below his current market worth.

Kelsy already among Rangers’ most valuable players

Despite only recently arriving at Ibrox, Kelsy has already climbed into the club’s top three players when it comes to estimated market value.

Nicolas Raskin leads the way at around £15.5 million, while Chermiti is valued at approximately £15 million.

Kelsy sits next on £13.2 million, ahead of Djeidi Gassama, whose current valuation is put at £12.8 million.

That puts the Venezuelan in impressive company and gives Rangers another reason to be encouraged by his early progress.

Kelsy will now be looking to build on his promising start after the international break. With Rangers needing goals as they look to make progress up the Scottish Premiership, his contribution could become increasingly important to McInnes.

The striker also strengthened his confidence during the international break by scoring his first goal for Venezuela.

For Rangers, there will be hope that his latest international success can carry over into his club performances and help justify the significant investment made in him during the summer.