India's star goalkeeper Subrata Paul and defender Gouramangi Singh are all set to fly off to Denmark for a three-month trial with Danish premier league football club FC Vestsjælland.
In partnership with the owners of the team, Anglian Holdings, Red Bull has helped facilitate a unique opportunity for both players in a league whose winner currently gets an automatic entry into the UEFA Champions League.
This is the first time that Indian footballers have a chance at playing at a top division team anywhere in Europe.
FC Vestsjælland, also known as FCV Vikings, is based in Slagelse and plays all of its home games at the Slagelse Stadium. As runners-up of the 2012-13 season of the 1st Division, they won promotion in to the Superliga. For a club established only in 2008, it has been regarded a massive achievement.
Paul and Singh will be staying in Slagelse from Sep 18 to Dec 15. Both players will also undergo extensive training in technique during the trial.
This move has also been supported by IMG-Reliance who ensured that the players are available to participate in the entire training window and are also very positive about this opportunity.
Dhruv Ratra, CEO Anglian Holdings looks forward to the association and said: "We are very honoured and excited to work with Red Bull and IMG towards the betterment of Indian football. We believe, based on our experiences with other players who have gone on trial to our club in Denmark, that not only will Subrata and Gouramangi be able to hold their own against some of the best players in Scandinavia."
Paul said he is excited about the opportunity.
"After my experience at Red Bull Leipzig last year, this is a great second chance to further hone my skills. I hope to give my best and make the country proud," he said.
