Shani Tarashaj

Shani Tarashaj (born 7 February 1995) is a Swiss professional footballer who plays as a forward for FC Emmen on loan from Everton. He was a member of the Swiss squad at UEFA Euro 2016.

Background

Tarashaj's Albanian family emigrated from Prizren, Kosovo, formerly in Yugoslavia, in 1984.

Club career

Tarashaj was born in Hausen am Albis, Switzerland. He grew up in youth teams of Grasshopper Club Zürich. Tarashaj made his Swiss Super League debut on 2 August 2014, coming on as a substitute for Alexander Merkel in a 0–0 draw against FC Sion. Tarashaj started 2015–16 by scoring 5 goals in his first 4 games, including two braces against FC Zurich and FC Lugano. His contract with Grasshopper was renewed, extended to 2019.

On 7 January 2016, Tarashaj joined English club Everton on a ​4 ⁄₂-year deal. He was loaned back to Grasshopper, until the end of the season so that he could complete his national service. He was loaned to German club Eintracht Frankfurt for the 2016–17 season.

On 19 July 2018, Tarashaj returned to Grasshopper on a season-long loan deal with an option to make the deal permanent.

He moved to FC Emmen for a 2-season loan in July 2019.

International career

Tarashaj played for Switzerland's age-group teams, starting in 2011. Though he was sought by Albania, for whom he was also eligible to play, he made his debut for the senior Swiss team on 25 March 2016. He was selected for the Switzerland squad in UEFA Euro 2016, but only made a single appearance, coming on as a late substitute against Romania.

Career statistics

As of 6 May 2016