The head coach of Dynamo Moscow, Marcel Lichka, shared reflections on the farewell message he offered to Arsen Zakharyan, the midfielder who recently linked up with Real Sociedad in Spain. The comments, relayed by Sport Express, reveal a mentor’s blend of care and pragmatic counsel as a young talent moves into a new chapter of his career.
Lichka emphasized a straightforward wish for the rising star: good health above all, the freedom to train without setbacks, and steady progress on the pitch. He spoke with a manager’s balance—hopeful for personal growth while firmly rooted in the realities of professional football, where form and fitness often determine the pace of development for players at this stage of their careers.
Zakharyan arrived in San Sebastián ready to seal the next step of his journey, signing with Real Sociedad on August 18. The following day, the club announced the agreement, confirming a five-year contract that will bind the 20-year-old from Samara to the Basque club through the prime years of his early adulthood. The transfer underscores Real Sociedad’s confidence in his potential and their plan to integrate him into a team with competitive aims in both domestic and European competitions.
Raised in the Dynamo youth system from 2017 to 2020, Zakharyan progressed to the senior squad and spent several seasons competing at the highest level of Russian football. His development drew attention beyond Russia’s borders, with clubs including Chelsea of England and Dutch powerhouses Ajax and Feyenoord reportedly monitoring his progress as a prospective addition to their ranks. This interest reflected a broader recognition of his talent and the appeal of his technical abilities, vision, and playmaking potential as he matured into a professional footballer.
According to Marca, Real Sociedad secured Zakharyan for a reported package that included substantial bonuses paid to Dynamo, alongside a clause tied to a potential future resale. The arrangement signals a strategic investment by the Spanish club, designed to reward success and ensure financial terms align with the player’s evolving market value. The commitment also suggests Sociedad’s ambition to strengthen its attacking options and midfield creativity in the coming seasons, leveraging Zakharyan’s skill set to contribute to their style of play and competitive ambitions. The specifics of the deal, including performance-based incentives and future resale arrangements, illustrate the careful balance clubs strike when navigating international transfers and long-term planning. [Source: Marca]
For Zakharyan, this move represents a pivotal step: adapting to a new league, language, and footballing culture while applying the technical foundations honed in Russia. Real Sociedad’s environment—known for technical football, tactical discipline, and a commitment to developing young players—could provide the ideal platform for him to refine decision-making under pressure, improve off-ball movement, and contribute to a dynamic offensive game. Observers in football circles will be watching how he translates his early potential into consistent performances against diverse opponents, within a club that values collective effort and strategic depth. The transfer also highlights the growing trend of young European talent crossing borders to pursue opportunities in leagues that emphasize technical proficiency and sustained development. [Observation notes]
As Zakharyan begins this new chapter in San Sebastián, fans and analysts alike will be keen to see how his role evolves within Real Sociedad’s system. Early impressions from teammates and coaches, coupled with competitive appearances, will shape the narrative of his adaptation. Throughout this transition, the focus remains on his health, his ability to train effectively, and his continued progression as a footballer who can contribute at the highest level in the Spanish league and beyond. The story of his move is not merely about a contract signing; it is about a young player stepping into a new competitive environment with expectations that match his evident potential and the opportunities offered by a club intent on long-term growth.