Everton have confirmed the signing of Switzerland Under-21 international Shani Tarashaj from Grasshoppers Zurich for an undisclosed fee believed to be around £3m.
A statement on the club’s website on Thursday revealed that the 20-year-old has signed a four-and-a-half year deal but will immediately be loaned back to Grasshoppers to complete his national service.
“Shani is an enormous young talent in Swiss football who, without a doubt, will have a great future,” said the Everton manager, Roberto Martínez.
“We’re 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.
“I’m delighted we have been able to act quickly and secure the deal for Shani which means that, due to his national service commitments, he will be able to be part of our first team squad from next season. Grasshopper have been very professional and the deal has been conducted in an exemplary way.”
Tarashaj, who has scored eight goals in 18 games for Grasshoppers this season, added: “It is a dream for me to sign here at Everton. I am proud and so happy to be here.”
