Goalkeeper with most saves in Champions League gets Norwegian citizenship before World Cup

Discussions about Nikita Haikins potential role in the national team and his chances of joining Solbakkens World Cup roster have been prominent in Norway for some time. A key milestone has now been achieved, with Haikin receiving approval for Norwegian citizenship.

Haikin is wed to a Norwegian and has resided in Bodo since 2019.

The Norwegian Football Associations General Secretary, Karl Petter Loken, stated to NRK that Haikin remains ineligible for the national team until further steps are completed.

We have received confirmation that Nikita Haikins citizenship request has been granted. He has indicated his interest in playing for Norway, yet FIFA needs to authorise the switch of affiliation, Loken noted in his NRK statement.

We plan to submit the required paperwork to FIFA promptly once its ready. Once FIFA gives the go ahead, he can represent Norway, leaving it to head coach Stale Solbakken to determine his suitability for the team. Solbakken handles all athletic decisions, the General Secretary added.

Speaking to NRK, coach Stale Solbakken remarked that Haikin will be considered alongside all other candidates, although Orjan Haskjold Nyland is presently the primary goalkeeper. The initial World Cup selection, covering 35 to 55 players, is due on 11 May, followed by the definitive list of 23 to 26 players on 1 June.

Haikin formerly possessed Russian and Israeli passports. Prior to the recent update on Friday, his only nationality was British, but he now holds Norwegian citizenship as well.

The Bodoe Glimt shot stopper has been based in Bodo since 2019, excluding a brief stint in 2023 when he joined Bristol City in England.

This seasons Champions League campaign has seen the new Norwegian citizen shine with Bodoe Glimt. The team exited in the last 16 versus Sporting CP, but earlier triumphs over Manchester City, Atletico Madrid, and Inter owed much to Haikins performances.

Haikin leads the Champions League in saves this term by a wide margin. His tally stands at 68, outpacing Real Madrids Thibaut Courtois, who has 56.