Nikita Haikin could miss out on a potential move to Premier League outfit Everton after his forgettable stint at Bristol City, the goalkeeper’s former coach Dmitry Gulenkov tells Sport24.
In the final few weeks of 2022, Haikin’s contract at Bodo/Glimt expired; the Israeli-born Russian opting for a fresh start as Everton weighed up a move that would have seen Haikin arrive at Goodison Park to provide competition for Jordan Pickford.
It is unlikely, at the time, that Haikin expected to return to his old stomping ground a few months later.
The one-time Chelsea youngster re-joined Norwegian giants Bodo/Glimt on a long-term deal until 2026 this week, having failed to make a single appearance during his time in England with Bristol City.
Now, Everton could still return for the 27-year-old shot-stopper in the summer; Asmir Begovic set to become a free-agent. But, after struggling in the Championship, Gulenkov cannot imagine Haikin being offered an opportunity in the league above.
Everton like former Chelsea goalkeeper Nikita Haikin
“England and Norway are two different things. Nikita wanted to try (at Bristol City), but failed,” says his former goalkeeping coach.
“Back at Bodo/Glimt, he will play at his level and continue in a good spirit. I hope he returns to the first-team. Haikin was trusted there, and he was in good standing.
“The chances of him returning to England? If he failed to catch on at Bristol City, then it is unlikely. There is a lot of competition in England. He needs to be head and shoulders above the main goalkeeper of the team, and it will be difficult.
“I would advise him to return to Russia, but there are good goalkeepers here too. If he is comfortable in Norway, let him play there.”
Everton’s interest in Haikin appeared to be driven by former boss Frank Lampard. Lampard, after all, tried to bring the one-time Stamford Bridge starlet back for a second spell in West London during his time in the Chelsea dugout.
Lampard’s departure, and the subsequent appointment of Sean Dyche, feels like another nail in the coffin of Haikin’s hopes of a summer switch to Everton.
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