Everton Transfers: U21 Switzerland Striker Shani Tarashaj Signs

Swiss prospect loaned back to previous club Grasshoppers Zurich.

By Mark Langshaw /

Everton have completed the signing of Switzerland Under-21 international Shani Tarashaj from Grasshoppers Zurich, reports BBC Sport. The youngster, who has signed a four-and-a-half-year deal at Goodison Park, has been loaned back to the Swiss outfit until the end of the season so he can complete his national service. "Shani is an enormous young talent in Swiss football who, without a doubt, will have a great future," said Blues boss Roberto Martinez in a statement. "We are delighted to have found a young player who believes that our club is the perfect step for him to enhance his quality and to grow his career. "He fits in really well to our style and the way we want to play the game. He is a family boy, hungry and he is desperate to fight for his place in our talented young squad." Tarashaj, who is of Albanian origin, has scored eight goals in 18 games for Grasshoppers this season and earned eight caps for the Swiss Under-21 side. "It is a dream for me to sign here at Everton. I am proud and so happy to be here,€ he told Everton TV, upon his arrival at Goodison. He becomes Martinez's second capture of the winter transfer window following the arrival of 17-year-old defender Matthew Foulds from League One outfit Bury.