Bodo/Glimt goalkeeper Nikita Haikin could be set for an ‘extremely difficult’ time if he joins Premier League strugglers Everton in the New Year, former Russia international shot-stopper Ruslan Nigmatullin tells Soccer RU.
With his contract expiring in December, and with Everton seemingly in the market for a long-term Asmir Begovic replacement, Haikin could soon be afforded the opportunity to prove that, after three superb seasons in Norway, he can make a similar impact in one of Europe’s most high-profile competitions.
Frank Lampard, Sport24 say, held talks with Haikin when he was still at the helm of Chelsea. The Israel-born 27-year-old could now join his out-of-form Toffees side in 2023, having confirmed over the weekend that he will not be extending his contract at Bodo/Glimt.
Former Chelsea youngster Nikita Haikin could join Everton for free
“Why not?,” Nigmatullin said when asked if the two-time Eliteserien champion should seize a potentially life-changing opportunity at Goodison Park.
“Haikin played in European competition, albeit not with the strongest (team), and he proved himself. Perhaps he drew attention to himself. There is no smoke without fire.
“The English Premier League is extremely difficult, especially for goalkeepers. The transition to the Premier League will be a serious test for Haikin. Goalkeepers with weak points do not last there. All goalkeepers must be of the highest level.”
Haikin’s knowledge of English football should, in theory, stand him in good stead at Everton. He spent time at Chelsea, Reading and Portsmouth as a youngster. Haikin did not make a senior appearance for any of the aforementioned trio. But this experience may lessen the chance of him being taken aback by the pace and the physicality of Premier League football.
“(I am) not surprised by Everton’s interest in Nikita Haikin,” says former Russia coach Yuri Semin. “Throughout this period, Nikita has been playing at a high level, in many European matches.”
Haikin started as Bodo/Glimt obliterated Jose Mourinho Roma 6-1 a year ago. He also featured in a famous 3-1 win away from home at Scottish Premiership champions Celtic.
Everton are reportedly keen on Brice Samba too. Now at RC Lens, the larger-than-life Samba remains a cult hero at Nottingham Forest, after his penalty-saving heroics in the play-offs.
90Min, however, say that Lens are not going to let Samba go without a fight. The Ligue 1 surprise packages are pushing for Champions League qualification, and are under no pressure to sell.
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