Russian national team head coach Viktor Onopko expressed that Arsen Zakharyan, the Spanish Real Sociedad winger, should be given time to adjust to the new league environment. Onopko noted that the transition remains challenging for the young midfielder, who recently returned from a bout with coronavirus. Although he started as a substitute in some early appearances, the minutes are not yet rolling in as fans and analysts might have hoped. The coach underscored the importance of patience and a gradual acclimatization to Spanish football, emphasizing that time and integration into the squad are key for a player moving from Dynamo Moscow to one of La Liga’s competitive outfits.
Real Sociedad confirmed the signing of Arsen Zakharyan on August 19, capturing a deal that runs through June 2029. The move marked a significant step in the Russian talent’s career as he sought fresh challenges in a top European league. Zakharyan’s first appearance for the Basque club came on August 25, when he entered the match as a substitute in the 75th minute against Las Palmas. In his early La Liga tenure, he has featured in three league fixtures, all as a substitute, with the clock not yet rewarding him with a goal. The debut sequence has been a cautious start rather than a sudden breakthrough, and there is yet to be an appearance in Europe’s premier club competition for the new club.
Real Sociedad currently sits in sixth place in the La Liga table, having accumulated 15 points as the season unfolds. The club has displayed a mix of solidity and form that keeps them in the upper half of the standings, while Zakharyan navigates his own path toward regular minutes and meaningful impact. His integration process coincides with the team’s ongoing campaign in Spain, where tactical demands and competition for places require strategic adaptation. In interviews and through official statements, Zakharyan has indicated a willingness to grow within the system and to learn the nuances of La Liga’s pace, pressing schemes, and positional responsibilities.
Observers in Spain and Russia have previously cautioned that Zakharyan could face a difficult transition at Sociedad. The adjustment period spans language, culture, and the tactical language of a new coach and teammates. Yet the player’s talent—already proven in domestic play and youth international tournaments—suggests a potential for rapid development once he gains regular minutes and a firm role within the squad. For his part, Onopko’s remarks highlight a broader perspective: a young player often needs time to acclimate to a different league, a different intensity of games, and a new coaching style. The sentiment aligns with a familiar pattern observed when players move between major European leagues, where immediate impact is not always assured but steady progression can lead to long-term contribution.
As Zakharyan continues to train with Real Sociedad, the club’s coaching staff will be weighing options to balance immediate squad needs with the player’s growth trajectory. The early steps—amounting to limited playing time—do not necessarily forecast the long-term outcome, as confidence, adaptation, and tactical understanding grow over successive matches. In this light, the forward can expect increasing involvement as his familiarity with teammates, system demands, and match rhythms improve. The broader context of Real Sociedad’s season, the quality of the opposition, and the club’s strategic plan for the midfield will influence how quickly Zakharyan becomes a regular contributor.
Fans and analysts will be watching not only for goals and assists but for signs of development: improved decision-making under pressure, movement off the ball, and the ability to link play with his new colleagues. The narrative of a young Russian talent integrating into a storied Spanish club adds to the season’s intrigue, reinforcing the idea that big transfers often require time to bear fruit on the pitch. With patience, the transfer could eventually yield a versatile midfielder capable of contributing in multiple tactical setups as Real Sociedad continues to pursue its domestic and European ambitions. Attribution: official club announcements and statements from the Russian football federation.