Stabaek refuse loan deal offers for Indian goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu

India’s Gurpreet Singh Sandhu made his competitive debut for Norwegian club Stabaek

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu became the first Indian player to play a competitive match in a top-tier league in Europe when he was selected to keep for Norwegian club Stabaek last week and clubs are already interested in securing his services. And Stabaek are adamant that they will not let go of the young prodigy.

The 23-year-old kept a clean sheet in a 6-0 win and the club’s sporting director Inge André Olsen said he could become one of the best in Europe in the future. Olsen said: “He is improving every day and we think he can be a top goalkeeper in Europe.”

Clubs from India want Gurpreet Sandhu on loan

Olsen also confirmed Indian clubs’ interest in signing the former East Bengal goalkeeper and how he refused to release the 'talented, hard working boy'.

"Some clubs from India have asked to loan him, but we have refused," he said. “He is improving every day and we think he can be a top goalkeeper in Europe."

Gurpreet had also said last year that he would have also refused offers from Indian Super League clubs so he could stay in Norway to train under the guidance of European coaches and improve his skills.

Stabaek's goalkeeping coach Espen Granli was also all praise for Sandhu and said: “I never judge potential signings based on their passports. We signed Gurpreet because we considered him as an exciting prospect that could develop further.

“I'm really glad we did. There is more to come, and I really enjoy working with him.”