Real Sociedad’s press service has filed the official squad list for their third round La Liga clash, a meeting set to face Las Palmas. The document confirms the inclusion of 24 players, with notable addition Arsen Zakharyan, the Russian midfielder who will be stepping onto the field for his new club for the first time in a competitive setting.
The fixture is scheduled for August 25, with kickoff slated for 20:30 Moscow time, marking a precise moment in the club’s early-season schedule as they navigate a demanding start to the campaign.
News broke on August 19 that Arsen Zakharyan completed a transfer from Dynamo Moscow to Real Sociedad, signing a contract that runs through June 2029. The 20-year-old midfielder already featured for Sociedad in the most recent La Liga match, a 1-1 draw against Celta, signaling his potential to contribute to the squad as the season unfolds.
Through three appearances in the Russian Premier League this season, Zakharyan has already registered a goal and an assist, underscoring his ability to influence games in higher-tier competition. While the move represents a significant step in his career, observers and former officials alike have cautioned that adapting to a new league, style of play, and teammates will require patience and support from the club and its coaching staff.
Vyacheslav Koloskov, the former honorary president of the Russian Football Union, has acknowledged the challenge ahead for Zakharyan. He noted that adjusting to a different football environment can take time, especially when transitioning between leagues with distinct tactical demands and cultural contexts. The emphasis from club leadership will likely be on a structured integration plan that helps the midfielder acclimate quickly while preserving his long-term development trajectory.
Real Sociedad fans will be watching closely as Zakharyan negotiates his new surroundings—on the field and in the locker room. The club’s confidence in his talents suggests a belief that his technical range, vision, and versatility can translate well to the Spanish league, where the tempo and positional responsibilities may differ from the Russian Premier League. As the season progresses, his performance in training and match situations will determine how quickly he becomes a regular contributor in the starting lineup or a key squad option off the bench, providing the team with additional attacking options and midfield control as they pursue consistent results across competitions.