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Indian football received a massive boost on the country’s 68th Independence Day as 22-year-old goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu sealed a permanent move with Norway top tier outfit Stabaek Football.
Sportskeeda had revealed earlier that Gurpreet had been on trials with Stabaek since May 20 and the former East Bengal custodian had been training with the senior squad under head coach Bob Bradley besides playing in a friendly back in June
Gurpreet signed a three-year deal earlier this month but had to wait two weeks for his work permit to make the move official. The India U-23 international finally announced the transfer on his twitter profile @gurpreetgk
He will become the fifth Indian to play his trade in Europe after Mohammed Salim (Celtic), Bhaichung Bhutia (Bury FC), Sunil Chhetri (Sporting Lisbon ‘B’) and Subrata Pal (FC Vestsjaelland).
“I feel good and privileged to stay here and learn so much in three months already. It feels great as an Indian and I want to follow in the footsteps of our footballing greats like Mohammed Salim, Bhaichung bhai, Chettri bhai, Mistu da (Subrata),” Gurpreet told Sportskeeda.
The youngster also paid tribute to television presenter Joe Morrison and former EPL goalkeeper John Burridge. The duo had helped him get a trial at Wigan Athletic in the summer of 2012 and also played a big role in his move to Norway.
“Thanks to Budgie as he identified my talent in Kolkata and Joe’s support has been phenomenal throughout,” he added.
Gurpreet will face tough competition for a regular place in the Stabaek eleven as the other two keepers are Ivory Coast World Cupper Sayouba Mande and Norwegian youngster Borger Thomas. He might have to play for the reserve team initially but the Punjabi lad is looking forward to the challenge.
“It’s a good challenge and a great competition with a World Cupper also there but I hope I will break out,” he stated.
Gurpreet, who has captained India at U-22 level but is yet to play for the senior national team, will wear the number 22 jersey.
