Chistyakov Departed on Loan to Sochi for the 2023/24 Season
The official channel of Zenit in Saint Petersburg announced that defender Dmitry Chistyakov has moved on loan to Sochi for the remainder of the current season. The announcement stated that the loan arrangement with Sochi covers the end of the 2023/24 campaign, allowing Chistyakov to gain regular first-team football. Zenit and Sochi expressed their best wishes for a successful run for the defender as he takes the next step in his career.
Chistyakov has been part of Zenit since 2021. In the ongoing Russian Premier League season, the centre-back has appeared in five matches for the blue-white-blue club and has not yet found the back of the net. His loan to Sochi presents an opportunity for important playing time and development as the season progresses.
Before joining Zenit, Chistyakov spent time with Rostov, Tambov, Shinnik, and Armenian club Mika, gathering a broad set of experiences across Russian football and abroad that have shaped his development as a defender capable of contributing at the top level.
Chistyakov made his debut for the Russian national team in 2021. Overall, he has earned four caps with the national side, adding valuable international exposure to his growing resume. His call-ups reflect how coaches value his defensive discipline and versatility at the back.
Krasnodar entered the winter break atop the Russian Premier League with 38 points, while Zenit sat in second place, three points behind and two points clear of the chasing pack. Dinamo Moscow trailed in third with 32 points, highlighting a tight title race as the campaign moved toward its decisive phase.
Earlier reports indicated that Sochi terminated the contract of a former Spartak player, marking another notable change for the squad ahead of the continued league schedule.