Valentin Gjokaj

FC Luzern

Born in Lucerne, Gjokaj began his career at hometown Swiss club FC Luzern and played for the club's under-18 team before having trial at Premier League side Blackburn Rovers in August 2011, playing the full 90 minutes a in a reserve pre-season friendly against Chorley, which Rovers won 2–1. After this trial Gjokaj returned to Luzern and featured 14 times for the second team in the 1.Liga Group 3 during the 2011–12 season, scoring 4 goals after he made his début in March 2012 against GC Biaschesi. In May 2012, Gjokaj had a trial at Premier League club Newcastle United. However he failed to get a deal and Gjokaj was released by Luzern at the end of the season.

Derby County

In July 2012, ahead of the 2012–13 season, Gjokaj went on trial at Championship side Derby County, featuring in a pre-season friendly against Mansfield Town on 25 July 2012. Gjokaj impressed in this game and was given further run outs against Burton Albion and Northampton Town. Gjokaj returned to his home in Switzerland, but Derby manager Nigel Clough was keen to sign him. Gjokaj signed a two-year contract with the club, with an option of a third year on 18 August 2012. Gjokaj made his competitive first team début in a 2–2 draw against Sheffield Wednesday on 18 August 2012, as an 87th minute substitute for Will Hughes. Gjokaj spent the following three months as a regular for Derby's under-21 side, before he joined League One outfit Carlisle United on loan for six weeks on 22…

Gjokaj was eligible for both Switzerland and Albania at international level and in January 2013, Gjokaj was called up for the Albania under-21 for their friendly against Macedonia under-21 on 6 February. Gjokaj played the full 90 minutes of the game, which ended 0–0. On 4 June 2013, Gjokaj received the Albanian citizenship among Albania senior side Agon Mehmeti and fellow Albania U21 players Haxhi Neziraj, Amir Rrahmani & Herolind Shala.