Arsen Zakharyan’s arrival at Real Sociedad has drawn varied predictions about how quickly the young midfielder will settle into his new club, a topic that has sparked discussion among football veterans and analysts alike. Vyacheslav Koloskov, who serves as Honorary President of the Russian Football Union (RFU), offers a cautious outlook on Zakharyan’s adaptation process, suggesting that the transition could take time and that steady performance rarely appears overnight for a player moving to a fresh environment. The remarks are attributed to RB Sport, which has monitored Zakharyan’s career as he steps into a new chapter in Spain.
Koloskov notes that there are many factors that influence how soon a player can begin delivering consistent performances with a new team. The midfielder, who at the start of the season appeared to be in less than peak physical condition, faces the challenge of rebuilding form and confidence in a new league, a different tactical setup, and higher expectations. He emphasizes that a quick psychological reset can help, but he stresses that achieving a seamless fit into the squad often requires a blend of hard work, time, and gradual integration into the team’s style of play. The sentiment underlines a common reality for players changing clubs: the path back to previous performance levels is not automatic and depends on how effectively the player adapts to new surroundings and demands.
On August 19, Real Sociedad confirmed Zakharyan’s transfer from Dynamo Moscow, and his contract is set to run through June 2029. The 20-year-old midfielder made his competitive Sociedad debut in La Liga, contributing to a 1-1 draw against Celta Vigo in his first appearance in the competition. This debut marked the beginning of a period in which he will try to translate potential into consistent contributions for his new team, both in domestic league action and in European competition if the club advances to later stages.
In terms of early performance indicators, Zakharyan has registered one goal and one assist across three appearances in the Russian Premier League this season prior to his move. Those numbers hint at the player’s capability to influence games, but they also reflect the kind of variability that can accompany a young talent navigating a transfer and a shift to a more demanding league. The new surroundings present not only a change in tempo and physicality but also a different strategic role within the team’s broader attacking and build-up plans. As Real Sociedad integrates him into the squad, the focus will be on how quickly he can adapt his movement, decision-making, and link-up play to the club’s established routines.
Zakharyan’s move has drawn attention from observers who track how players transition when swapping leagues and countries. The club and coaching staff will likely place emphasis on his technical development, tactical understanding, and off-field adjustments, including language and cultural acclimatization, all of which can influence on-field performance. While some players adjust rapidly and begin contributing meaningful minutes early in a season, others require more time to acclimate to the pace, physical intensity, and strategic nuances of a new league. The evaluation in the weeks ahead will revolve around his ability to read the game at a higher level, maintain consistency in his decision-making under pressure, and integrate with teammates who already have a settled understanding of the club’s approach.
Real Sociedad’s investment in Zakharyan signals a belief in his long-term potential. For supporters, the storyline centers on patience and development, as the club looks to harness the midfielder’s creativity and technical skill within a system that prioritizes possession, movement, and rapid transitions in attack. In the broader context of European football, the transfer underscores how young talents from Russia are navigating pathways to top-tier leagues, balancing the promise of growth with the realities of adaptation in a competitive environment. Fans can anticipate gradual progress as the player becomes more ingrained in the club’s culture and as coaching staff tailor his workload and responsibilities to optimize his impact on the field. Attribution: RB Sport.
As Zakharyan continues his journey in La Liga, analysts will watch for signs of maturity in his game—improved off-ball movement, sharper passing angles, and more decisive contributions in decisive moments. The early stages of his Real Sociedad tenure will be about laying a strong foundation, building trust with teammates, and translating potential into consistent performances over the course of a demanding season. The path ahead will likely feature a mix of short, impactful appearances and longer runs of uninterrupted minutes as the coaching staff balances development with results. In any case, Zakharyan’s career move remains a compelling chapter in the evolving landscape of young talents plying their trade across Europe, with a watchful eye on how quickly he can adapt to a new footballing environment and fulfill the expectations that come with such a high-profile transfer.