Kolkata: Indian Super League based team Bengaluru FC completed the one year move of the Indian number one goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu from Norwegian club Stabaek for an undisclosed transfer fee for the upcoming ISL season.
It comes as a major signing for the Blues, who will now have an Indian goalkeeper at the post, with the experience of playing in the top division of an European fooball league.
Gurpreet who had been a part of Stabaek since 2014, decided to end his contract with the club before the closing of the Norwegian transfer window and return to India to play in the ISL.
The 25 year old who was extremely glad to have joined the two-time I-League champions said, ” I am extremely delighted to have signed for Bengaluru FC. While the experience of playing in Europe was fantastic, lack of game time was an important factor in making the decision of moving back in India. I had an offer from another top fight club in Europe, but the need to play regularly ahead of the AFC Asian Cup in 2019 was something that was on my mind.”
“The fact that Bengaluru FC was interested in me was encouraging considering what they have achieved over the last few years. With BFC playing on the continental level this season as well as the next one will provide the perfect platform for me,” added a delighted Singh.
The 6ft 4inch shot-stopper had joined
Norwegian club Stabaek, who plays in the top -tier league in Norway from Kolkata giants East Bengal in 2014, thus creating history by becoming the first Indian footballer to join a top-division European club. However, having made just nine appearances for the senior team in three years, he decided to leave the club in search for a new challange.
Club CEO Parth Jindal was also highly pleased with the signing of the Indian custodian.
“It’s a matter of pride that Gurpreet has chosen to play for BFC. For us, he is as big as an European signing. His presence and leadership will add immense stability to the team,” he said in a release.
Having signed Abhra Mondal, Calvin Abhishek and Lalthuammawia Ralte as the goalkeepers for the season, the addition of Gurpreet Singh will give an additional boost to the team. Having signed an experienced campaigner in the goalkeeping department, the club can now focus to add much needed foreign players to improve the level of the team.
Gurpreet who became the first Indian player to play in an UEFA tournament (Europa League) will not only be a part of the team during the ISL but will also feature in the AFC Club Championships for the Blues.