Bodo/Glimt’s goalkeeper, Nikita Haikin, renowned for having the highest number of saves in the Champions League, has successfully obtained Norwegian citizenship, thereby enhancing his chances of being considered for Stale Solbakken’s World Cup squad.
The discussions surrounding Nikita Haikin’s potential role in the Norwegian national team and his inclusion in Solbakken’s World Cup line-up have been a focal point in Norway for some time. A noteworthy development has occurred, as Haikin has been granted Norwegian citizenship.
Haikin is married to a Norwegian national and has been residing in Bodo since 2019.
Karl Petter Loken, General Secretary of the Norwegian Football Association, stated in an announcement to NRK that Haikin still needs to be fully cleared to represent the national team.
“We have received confirmation that Nikita Haikin’s application for Norwegian citizenship has been approved. He has expressed his desire to represent Norway; however, for that to happen, FIFA must sanction a change of association,” Loken conveyed in the statement to NRK.
“We will submit an application as soon as we have the required documentation. Once FIFA grants approval, he will be eligible to play for Norway, so it will be up to national team manager Stale Solbakken to determine whether he is considered for the squad. He will make the sporting evaluations,” Loken added.
Coach Stale Solbakken commented to NRK that “Haikin will be assessed just like every other player,” but currently, Orjan Håskjold Nyland is the preferred choice for goalkeeper. The preliminary World Cup squad, comprising 35 to 55 players, is set to be announced on 11 May, with a final roster of 23 to 26 players to be revealed on 1 June.
Previously, Haikin held Russian and Israeli citizenship. Prior to his recent citizenship change, he was solely a British citizen, but now he has also been granted Norwegian citizenship.
The Glimt goalkeeper has resided in Bodo since 2019, apart from a brief stint in 2023 when he played for English club Bristol City.
In his debut season in the Champions League with Bodo/Glimt, Haikin has had an outstanding performance. While Bodo/Glimt was eliminated in the round of 16 by Sporting CP, prior to that, they celebrated remarkable victories over teams including Manchester City, Atlético Madrid, and Inter, largely attributed to Haikin’s contributions.
Haikin leads the Champions League this season with an impressive total of 68 saves, significantly ahead of Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois, who comes in second with 56 saves.
Compiled by SportArena.au
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