Nikita Haikin, the goalkeeper with the highest number of saves in the Champions League, has obtained Norwegian citizenship, paving the way for potential inclusion in Ståle Solbakken’s squad for the World Cup.
There has been ongoing speculation in Norway regarding Nikita Haikin’s prospects of joining the national team, notably his potential selection for Solbakken’s World Cup squad. Recently, a crucial development occurred as Haikin has officially received Norwegian citizenship.
Haikin is married to a Norwegian and has resided in Bodø since 2019.
Karl Petter Løken, General Secretary of the Norwegian Football Association, stated in a communication to NRK that while Haikin’s citizenship has been approved, he is not yet fully cleared to represent the Norwegian national team.
“We have received confirmation that Nikita Haikin’s application for Norwegian citizenship has been granted. He has expressed a strong interest in playing for Norway, but FIFA still needs to approve a change of association,” Løken noted in his statement to NRK.
“Once we obtain the necessary documentation, an application will be submitted. Following FIFA’s approval, he will be eligible to play for Norway, and it will naturally be up to national team manager Ståle Solbakken to evaluate his relevance to the squad. He is the one making the sporting decisions,” Løken added.
Coach Ståle Solbakken told NRK that “Haikin will be assessed just like any other player,” but currently Orjan Håskjold Nyland is the preferred choice as goalkeeper. The preliminary squad, composed of 35 to 55 players, will be announced on 11 May, with the final squad of 23-26 players to be confirmed by 1 June.
Previously, Haikin held dual citizenship in Russia and Israel. Before the recent change, he was solely a British citizen, but now he proudly holds Norwegian nationality as well.
The Glimt goalkeeper has called Bodø home since 2019, apart from a brief stint in 2023 when he played for English club Bristol City.
Haikin has had a remarkable season in the Champions League with Bodø/Glimt. Although the club fell in the round of 16 to Sporting CP, they celebrated historic victories over renowned teams such as Manchester City, Atlético Madrid, and Inter, owing much to Haikin’s outstanding performances.
This season, Haikin has recorded the most saves in the Champions League, with an impressive total of 68 saves. Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois follows him with 56 saves.
Compiled by SportArena.au
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