Former CSKA player and current coach Alexander Grishin says that rising stars in the Russian Premier League (RPL) like Nair Tiknizyan and Arsen Zakharyan should resist sprinting toward Europe. He explains this stance to RT, emphasizing a path that keeps their development anchored in Russia for now.
Grishin’s view isn’t surprising given the way world clubs routinely scout young talent. He notes that Nair Tiknizyan has drawn interest from several European teams, a sign of his growing reputation and potential impact. Yet Grishin cautions that a rapid move abroad could backfire on a player who has just started to establish himself as a regular member of his squad. The financial aspect matters in a big way; a transfer to Western Europe often comes with salary changes that might seem attractive at first glance but can complicate long-term financial stability if European club structures or market values shift. Beyond money, there is real value in staying put to sharpen one’s fundamentals, adapt to tougher domestic competitions, and gain concrete leadership experience within the team dynamics. In Grishin’s words, growth should be measured and incremental, not rushed by the lure of a big-name league that can demand sudden adjustments to style, language, and life off the pitch.
The same line of thought applies to Arsen Zakharyan, who began to make a name for himself at Dynamo before catching the eye of Chelsea. Grishin argues that moving to a club like Feyenoord right now might not be the smartest move for his career trajectory. Zakharyan’s success in Russia has already shown his ability to influence games, but he would likely benefit from continuing to consolidate his position, improve consistency, and take on more responsibility in his current team’s system before crossing into a new football culture. The coach stresses patience, noting that adaptation to a different league, squad philosophy, and tactical demands can take time, and a premature transfer could stall his development rather than accelerate it.
In the past season, Zakharyan stepped onto the field 27 times in the Russian Championship, contributing four goals and seven assists. The transfer market has followed him closely since Chelsea reportedly reached for his signature in the summer of 2022 with a bid around £12.6 million. Since then, rumors have persisted about interest from Ajax and Feyenoord, highlighting sustained international curiosity. Grishin’s analysis suggests that, while such interest confirms a player’s high ceiling, the decision to move should be aligned with a clear, personalized development plan—one that prioritizes playing time, role clarity, and the level of competition necessary to push a young player toward consistent, elite performances rather than a quick jump to a club where he might sit on the bench or face intense pressure without guaranteed minutes.
Meanwhile, reports have linked Tiknizyan with Valencia in Spain, reinforcing the pattern of European clubs monitoring his progress. Tiknizyan appeared in 29 matches for Lokomotiv in the previous season, recording five goals and two assists. This production shows a talent with scoring instincts and the ability to contribute creatively from midfield or forward lines. Grishin’s perspective remains pragmatic: if a European move happens, it should be guided by a well-timed window when the player has shown sustained impact, matured decision-making, and readiness to adapt to new tactical demands and higher levels of competition. The Russian football landscape continues to provide a formidable stage for these talents to refine their craft and demonstrate durability, competitiveness, and leadership on the field.
There have even been broader discussions in football circles about nationality and eligibility, such as earlier reports that several Ukrainian players faced hurdles obtaining Russian passports to compete in the Second Division. Grishin notes that regulatory and bureaucratic factors can shape career planning in significant ways, adding another layer to the already complex decision-making process for young players and their advisers. The essential takeaway is that success at a top European club requires more than flashy transfer fees or early market demand. It demands a stable growth path, continuous visibility in national league play, and a strong personal support system that helps a player handle pressure, adapt to different tactical systems, and maintain peak performance across seasons. For Tiknizyan and Zakharyan, the path forward remains one of patient development, smart choices, and measured steps toward the international stage. The current momentum in their careers suggests that when the right opportunity aligns with readiness, European clubs will be ready to engage again—yet the timing must maximize long-term value for both the player and the parent club.