The Portland Timbers announced on Wednesday that they had signed Venezuelan forward Kevin Kelsy to a four-year contract with a 2029 club option, strengthening their attack.
Twenty-year-old Kelsy, a member of FC Shakhtar Donetsk of Ukraine, joins the Timbers as a U22 Initiative player. Tom Bogert of Give Me Sport reported earlier this month that the 6-foot-4 striker would fetch a transfer price of about $6 million, though the terms were not made public.
In order to obtain Kelsy’s right of first refusal, the Timbers also gave FC Cincinnati $75,000 in general allocation funds. If certain performance criteria are fulfilled, the Timbers will give Cincinnati up to $100,000 extra in GAM.
According to a statement from Timbers general manager Ned Grabavoy, “We are thrilled with the acquisition of Kevin, and our staff believes he is a player that has huge potential.” Kevin’s acquisition will add a new element to our front line, and with ownership’s support, this investment enables us to bolster our offensive group right now.
Last season, while playing on loan for Cincinnati, Kelsy scored six goals in 23 games, three of which came on headers. He was selected for the 2024 MLS class of 22 Under 22, and he lead all MLS teenagers in scoring.
In a statement, Timbers coach Phil Neville said, “We’ve been watching Kevin for months.” One of the best center forwards in the world of football, he is young.
In 37 games with Shakhtar during the 2023 and 2024 seasons, Kelsy scored nine goals. He has four goals for Venezuela in 16 games with the U20 and U23 national teams combined.
TIMBERS IN PORTLAND 2025 A ROSTER
Four goalkeepers: Hunter Sulte, James Pantemis, Trey Muse, and Maxime Cr. Pénière
Defenders (8): Dario Zuparic, Juan Mosquera, Eric Miller, Kamal Miller, Claudio Bravo, Miguel Araujo, and Finn Surman
David Ayala, Diego Chara, Evander, Santiago Moreno, Cristhian Paredes, and Joao Ortiz are the six midfielders.
Five forwards: Jonathan Rodriguez, Felipe Mora, Ariel Lassiter, Kevin Kelsy, and Anthony
Joel Odom
