Swiss players who failed to make Premier League grade

Sport360 staff 18:00 25/05/2016
Swiss stars in the English top flight.

Arsenal have agreed a deal to sign Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Granit Xhaka.

The 23-year-old captained the German side to fourth place in the Bundesliga last season and has 41 caps for Switzerland.

An Arsenal statement read: “Arsenal have reached an agreement with Granit Xhaka to join the club on a long-term contract for an undisclosed fee.”

Xhaka has experience playing in the Champions League for Gladbach and said he is now looking forward to joining “one of the biggest clubs in the world”.

Sport360 looks back at the players who have struggled to adapt to life in England while a handful of stars have thrived in the English top flight.

Gaetano Giallanza: Out-of-contract striker started his career at FC Basel and spent time on loan at Bolton Wanderers and Norwich City, before signing for the latter permanently. He last played for lower-league side Darlington in 2007.

Fabio Daprela: 25-year-old left-back made seven appearances for West Ham United during the 2009-10 season, before leaving and enjoying spells at Brescia, Palermo and now Carpi.

Philipp Degen: Current FC Basel full-back who endured injury-plagued spell at Liverpool between 2008-11, making just 12 appearances in all competitions. Full Swiss international and former Borussia Dortmund defender.

Giuseppe Mazzarelli: Defender made two appearances for Manchester City in 1996 and didn’t live long in the memory.

Johann Vogel: Won 94 caps for Switzerland and enjoyed stellar career at Grasshoppers and PSV before disappointing spells at AC Milan, Real Betis and Blackburn Rovers.

Marc Hottiger: Journeyman defender joined Newcastle United in 1994, spending nearly two seasons on Tyneside before moving to Everton in an unremarkable spell.

Pajtim Kasami: Part of relegated Fulham side in 2014 and best remembered for wonder goal volley he netted against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

Eldin Jakupovic: Made 12 appearances for then Premier League club Hull City before two loan spells at east London outfit Leyton Orient.

Patrick Folletti: Former goalkeeper made two appearances for Derby County in 2002.

And the rare success stories…

Stephane Henchoz: Defender enjoyed decorated career in England, winning the treble with Liverpool in 2001 and making 135 appearances for the Merseysiders. Also achieved successful stints at Blackburn Rovers and then latterly Wigan Athletic, before returning to Rovers.

Xherdan Shaqiri: Stoke playmaker enjoying life in Premier League after spells at boyhood club FC Basel, Bayern Munich and Inter Milan.

Johan Djourou: Hamburg captain spent a decade at the Gunners, making 186 appearances in all competitions.

Valon Behrami: Made 63 appearances for Hammers between 2008-11 and currently plays for Watford.

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