St. Petersburg Zenit announced on its official channels that defender Dmitry Chistyakov has been loaned to Sochi for the remainder of the season. The move will see Chistyakov continue to compete in the Russian Premier League as part of Sochi’s squad through the 2023/24 campaign. Zenit expressed their hopes for a successful spell for the player and wished him well as he takes on this new chapter.
During this season, the back line man has spent time with Zenit in league play but will now gain a fresh opportunity to contribute from the field for Sochi. The agreement between Zenit and Sochi envisions a loan deal that keeps Chistyakov in the top flight, giving him a chance to add depth to Sochi’s defense while he continues to develop his game at a high level.
Chistyakov joined Zenit in 2021 and has since been part of the blue-white-blue squad. In the current Russian Premier League term, the defender has appeared in five league matches for Zenit and has not found the back of the net. His role at the club has been characterized by defensive reliability, disciplined positioning, and willingness to contribute to build-ups from the back when the team controls possession.
Before arriving in St. Petersburg, Chistyakov gained experience with several clubs, including Rostov, Tambov, Shinnik, and Mika in Armenia. This varied career path helped him develop versatility and adaptability, traits that coaches value when integrating a player into different tactical setups and competitive environments.
In 2021, Chistyakov earned his first cap for the Russian national team. Across his international appearances, he has featured in a total of four matches, gaining exposure to the senior setup and the level of competition that international fixtures demand.
Krasnodar entered the winter break atop the table with 38 points, while Zenit sat in second place, two points behind. Dinamo Moscow stood third with 32 points, rounding out the top three in the standings. Previously reported information noted that Sochi had terminated the contract of a former Spartak player, marking a separate development affecting the club’s roster dynamics going into the second half of the season.