Everton get green light to sign Nikita Haikin after Bodo/Glimt admission
Everton could have had the door blown wide open in their pursuit to sign Bodo/Glimt goalkeeper Nikita Haikin in the January transfer window.
The 27-year-old’s contract with the 2020 and 2021 Norwegian champions will end on 31 December leaving him free to move anywhere he likes in January with the Toffees very keen, according to The Telegraph.
Bodo/Glimt ended their season on Sunday (13 November) with a 4-2 win but finished 18 points behind runaway champions Molde in the Eliteserien.
“It has been quite a journey,” he said after his final game for the club, as quoted by the Liverpool Echo. “What we have achieved both in Norway, but also in Europe, is quite special.
“It was very difficult (to say goodbye). Sad, actually. The reception and love I got from the fans is very, very special. I can’t describe it. I am speechless.”
These comments have surely given Frank Lampard and Kevin Thelwell the green light to pursue the Russian shot-stopper with no transfer fee required to the Norwegian outfit.
Jordan Pickford may not be at Goodison Park forever and a backup keeper to come in and replace him has to be in place already for when that day might come.
Haikin could be that having been a double league winner in Norway already and the fact he is available for free should be all the encouragement they need.
Everton can’t rely on Asmir Begovic and Andy Lonergan to hold down the fort for more than a few games with the club in such a precarious position already in the Premier League.
When an opportunity like this presents itself, Everton would be foolish not to take advantage and not only give Pickford some cover but also genuine competition to keep him on his toes and his best ability every game.