Kevin Kelsy joins Portland Timbers

The Portland Timbers announced they have signed Kevin Kelsy through the 2028 season with a club option for 2029.

After a series of negotiations with Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk, Portland acquired Kelsy from this top-flight side from the Ukrainian top-flight. The transfer fee after trading $75,000 in 2025 General Allocation Money (GAM) to FC Cincinnati in exchange of first refusal. The Timbers also traded up to $100,000 in conditional GAM to Cincinnati if certain performance-based metrics are achieved in the course of the campaign. Kelsy, a six-foot-four striker, will occupy a U22 Initiative roster slot.

“We are delighted with the acquisition of Kevin, and our staff believe he is a player that has huge potential. With support from ownership, this investment allows us to strengthen our attacking group now and Kevin’s addition will bring a different component along our front line,” said Timbers General Manager Ned Grabavoy. “Our club is excited to continue supporting his development and growth as a young player, and we are eager to see the influence he can have with us here in Portland.”

Kelsy, 20, joins the Portland Timbers for his second MLS season. In his debut back in the 2024 campaign, Kelsy tallied a total of six goals (16 starts) for FC Cincinnati while on loan with Shakhtar Donetsk, helping the Eastern Conference side to a third-place finish.

The six goals scored by Kelsy led all teenagers in scoring last season. Earning himself a spot in the 2024 MLS class of 22 under 22. Kelsy appeared in two of Cincinnati 2024 postseason matches converting his penalty kick in a shoutout against New York City back on November 9.

“Kevin is a player that we’ve watched for months now. He’s young and one of the brightest center forwards in world football,” said Head Coach Phil Neville. “We’re excited to have him join us – he’s got pace, power, a lot of development and scores goals. His great potential will fit great with our young group here at Portland.”

As a native of Valencia, Venezuela, Kelsy logged nine goals in 37 matches during his time with the Miners while playing for Shakhtar over two seasons (2023-2024). Kelsy showed off his skills across Champions and Europa League play for the Ukrainian side. Kelsy made his professional debut at the age of 16 for Mineros de Guayana of the Venezuelan Primera División in 2021, where he made 31 appearances and scored five goals.

Internationally, Kelsy has made 16 appearances for Venezuela’s U23 and U20 sides, registering four goals at the youth level. His most recent goal for Venezuela’s U23s came as the game-tying goal in the 100th minute of a 2-2 draw against Argentina’s U23s on February 5, 2024.

Source: Portland Timbers FC Communications