Gerso

Gerso Fernandes (born 23 February 1991), known as Gerso (Portuguese: [ˈʒɛɾsu]), is a Bissau-Guinean professional footballer who plays as a left winger for South Korean club Jeju United FC.

Club Career

Portugal

Born in Bissau, Gerso moved to Portugal in his early teens, joining C.F. Uniao de Coimbra's youth system in 2004 at age 13. As a junior, he signed with neighbouring Academica de Coimbra where he went on to complete his development; he did not play football for two years during his formative spell, after a priest from the charity facility where he was living advised him against the dangers of turning professional.

Gerso made his debut as a senior with G.D. Tourizense in the third division, who acted as Academica's farm team. Released in summer 2011, he moved to G.D. Estoril Praia of the Segunda Liga, contributing 20 scoreless appearances in his first season as the club returned to the Primeira Liga after seven years.

Gerso made his debut in Portugal's top flight on 17 August 2012, playing 30 minutes in a 1–2 away loss against S.C. Olhanense. He continued to be played almost exclusively as a substitute in the following campaigns, by manager Marco Silva.

For 2014–15, Gerso was loaned to fellow league side Moreirense FC.

Sporting KC

On 4 January 2017, Sporting Kansas City of Major League Soccer announced the signing of Gerso from C.F. Os Belenenses on a three-year designated player contract, with an option for a fourth year. On 17 May, he scored a hat-trick in a 3–0 win against Seattle Sounders FC at Children's Mercy Park.

Gerso rejected an offer for a new deal at the end of the 2020 season, and was released.

Jeju United

On 16 February 2021, Gerso joined K League 1 club Jeju United FC.