Gurpreet joins Bengaluru bandwagon

Bengaluru, August 18: Federation Cup champions Bengaluru FC have boosted their ranks by signing national team goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu.

The 25-year-old was plying his trade with Norwegian side Stabaek and he has been reportdely signed for an undisclosed fee.

The Blues announced the arrival of Gurpreet on their Twitter handle.

We've got him! pic.twitter.com/8T1I03zW3m

— Bengaluru FC (@bengalurufc) August 17, 2017

The Chandigarh boy will be available for selection for the home leg of the crucial AFC Cup inter-zonal semifinal against North Korean side April 25 SC at Sree Kanteerava Stadium on August 23.

"I'm 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 to India. I had an offer from another top-flight club in Europe, but the need to play regularly ahead of the AFC Asian Cup in 2019 was something that was on my mind," Gurpreet told Bengaluru FC website after descending down in the city.

Gurpreet started his club career with Kolkata giants East Bengal with whom he won the 2012 Federation Cup.

He moved to moved to Europe as a 22-year-old, signing for Stabaek in August, 2014.

Gurpreet got his first call-up to the national side diuring the 2011 AFC Asian Cup in Doha. After playing second fiddle to Subrata Paul, Gurpreet became the first choice goalkeeper during the 2018 FIFA World Cup and 2019 AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers.

"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, it will provide the perfect platform for me," added Gurpreet.