India goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu has become the fifth Indian footballer to earn a professional contract in Europe after he signed a three-year deal with former Norwegian premier league champions Stabaek.

The 22-year-old custodian was on trial with Stabaek since mid-May and confirmed the deal via his Twitter page. “A proud day for my country and for me as I am pleased to announce I have signed for @stabaekfc,” the former East Bengal and Pailan Arrows goalkeeper tweeted.

Stabaek is managed by former USA coach Bob Bradley and were promoted to Norway’s top division in 2014 after finishing second in Division 1 last season. The club, formed in 1912, was Norway champions in 2008 and had reached the quarterfinals of the Europa League the following year.

Sandhu’s career has seen a steady growth ever since he made his I-League debut for East Bengal in the 2009-10 season. Known for his long reach and agility, the Chandigarh boy has been a regular in the India U-23 team and is a part of the squad for next month’s Asian Games. Sandhu also had a training-cum-trial with Wigan Athletic in 2012, but nothing concrete came out of that stint.

He, however, is unlikely to be the first choice keeper. Interestingly, all three goalkeepers on Stabaek’s roster are younger than Sandhu. However, their first-choice custodian Sayouba Mande is an Ivory Coast international and was part of the African side’s World Cup squad.

Sandhu follows the footsteps of Mohammed Salim (Celtic), Bhaichung Bhutia (Bury FC), Sunil Chhetri (Sporting Lisbon B) and Subrata Pal (Vestsjaelland) to make it abroad.