Everton’s first signing of the January transfer window was Shani Tarashaj, a highly rated 20-year-old from Swiss side Grasshopper Zurich.
While the Toffees reportedly paid $5 million for the young striker, it was a Manchester United player that influenced Tarashaj to move to Goodison Park.
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Tarashaj was linked with some big clubs throughout Europe, but as a huge fan of Wayne Rooney growing up, who started his career at Everton, he decided to follow in his idol’s footsteps.
It’s a big club, it’s a huge opportunity for me.
[Wayne Rooney] started out his career there. It’s a win-win situation for me. It’s very important that I can help the team, and also continue my development.
After signing a four-and-a-half-year contract at Everton, Tarashaj was loaned back to Grasshopper Zurich for the remainder of the season, where he has scored eight goals in 18 appearances this season.
