Official: Gedson Fernandes lands at Spartak Moscow, as William Carvalho settles in Mexico | OneFootball

Gedson Fernandes has made a big-money move to Russia with Spartak Moscow, joining the club from Beşiktaş in a deal worth €21m rising to a potential €28m.

Former Benfica man Gedson was in impressive form for Beşiktaş last term, contributing 12 goals in all competitions despite a turbulent campaign for the team. Overall, the midfielder spent four-and-a-half years in Turkish football, initially playing for Galatasaray and Çaykur Rizespor, before finally joining up with Beşiktaş in summer 2022.

Gedson extended his contract with the club just last September, but Spartak have succeeded in luring him to Moscow within a year of signing the deal. Benfica will benefit greatly from the transfer, earning just over €10m having retained half of the player’s rights when selling to Beşiktaş.

"Thank you Gedson Fernandes, who joined our club in 2022 and contributed to our Turkish Cup and Super Cup victories. We wish him success in his career," read a statement by Beşiktaş on Thursday afternoon.

Gedson, 26, has signed a five-year contract with Spartak, who unlike some of the other major Russian clubs, have little history of Portuguese footballers. Only two Luso players have featured for the Gladiators previously: current left-back Ricardo Mangas, who joined from Vitória Guimarães last year, as well as ex-Benfica defender Tomás Tavares, who played between 2023-24.

On their club website, Spartak wrote: “The versatile midfielder is distinguished by high speed, effective dribbling, impressive physical attributes. He often forces opponents to foul him, is good at tackling and intercepting, can shoot from different distances, and has a good short and long pass.”

Carvalho settles in Mexico

Another high-profile Portuguese international on the move recently is 2016 European champion William Carvalho. The veteran midfielder has signed for Mexican side Pachuca on a free transfer, after his deal with Spaniards Real Betis expired at the end of last season.

In announcing the deal, Pachuca stated William “joins for the 2025 Liga MX opening championship and the Leagues Cup” which indicates a short-term deal, possibly running until the end of the calendar year.

Pachuca have made an impressive start to the new season, sitting top of the Apertura Championship after three rounds with a 100% record, while a 3-2 victory over San Diego gave them a winning start in the Leagues Cup competition, which pits Mexican sides against their United States counterparts in a large tournament.