Bengaluru, July 1: FC Goa have completed the signing of goalkeeper Arshdeep Singh Saini from Indian Super League (ISL) rivals Odisha FC.

The 24-year-old has put pen-to-paper on a two-year contract with the Gaurs, which will see him remain a part of the club till the summer of 2024.

"This is a dream come true for me. I've always wanted to play for FC Goa, so when I was presented with the opportunity this summer, I didn't have to think twice before agreeing terms," Singh told fcgoa.in after signing on the dotted line.

"Their footballing style is something that I've admired for a long time. However, I've been on the wrong side of some really marvelous attacking performances by Goa.

"Even though I'm a keeper, I love playing with my feet, am comfortable with it and I feel that would be something that I'll bring to the club. I can't wait to develop my game further and take the next step forward.

"The club has produced several names in the recent past who've gone on to shine for the Indian national team, and my aim is to join them. All that starts with starting games, winning matches and trophies for FC Goa," he added.

FC Goa's Director of Football Ravi Puskar was delighted to have Arshdeep on board.

"We're pleased to bring Arshdeep on board. He's a keeper who is well accustomed to the league now and beyond his obvious shot stopping ability, has fantastic distribution as well, which is a must for us in our style of football. I'm sure he'll adapt to our style and system in no time and will be an integral part of the first team for years to come."

Seasoned campaigner

Arshdeep started his career with the All Indian Football Federation (AIFF) Elite Academy. Ahead of the 2015-16 season, he was roped in by Minerva Punjab FC and his performances since then got noticed across the country.

At the Punjab-based outfit, the goalkeeper featured in 29 matches including their title-winning I League campaign in 2017-18 and the 2019 AFC Cup. During this stint, he kept seven clean-sheets.

Just ahead of the ISL 2019-20 season, Odisha FC signed the youngster who went on to make 33 appearances for them across three seasons. ISL 2020-21 is considered to be arguably one of his best league campaigns to-date, as he registered 64 saves - the most among all shot-stoppers that season (and the second highest ever in an ISL season) - in just 16 matches (average of 4 saves a match, an ISL record by an Indian keeper with at least 10 appearances made in a season).

Overall, Arshdeep has made a total of 116 saves in the ISL at an average of 3.52 saves per game, which is the best among shot-stoppers who have played at least 25 matches in the Indian top-flight.

ISL feature: At FC Goa, Alvaro Vazquez hopes to follow the footsteps of Ferran Corominas and Igor Angulo

FC Goa, who are the first Indian club to make it to the group stage of AFC Champions League had recently signed Alvaro Vazquez from Kerala Blasters.

The team coached by Spaniard Carlos Pena, will be eyeing a better show this time, after having missed out on play-offs last season.