Anton Miranchuk, a Russian midfielder who joined the Swiss side Sion, has spoken about interest from European clubs being blocked by citizenship rules. The remarks came to light on Nobel Arustamyan’s YouTube channel, where the player explained the hurdles he faced when looking to sign with certain clubs in Europe.
Germany? Here I understood the situation immediately, Miranchuk said during the discussion. I did not even raise this topic. It is similar to Celtic. There was also a club from Spain where a Ukrainian player had played, so they did not want to do business, he added, as reported by the channel. The words reflect a career path marked by early expectations colliding with bureaucratic and political realities that still echo in professional football today.
Miranchuk had already claimed domestic glory before making his move abroad. He became a national champion and a Russian Cup winner with Lokomotiv Moscow, a club where he established himself as a versatile midfielder capable of shaping big matches. That success laid the groundwork for a fresh chapter when he accepted a two year contract with Sion at the start of the season. The transfer was presented as an opportunity to bring experience and a competitive edge to a Swiss team seeking to build on recent progress, a move that drew attention from fans in both Russia and Western Europe.
On September 22, Miranchuk stepped onto the field for the first time in a Sion shirt in a league match against Lugano that finished in a goalless draw. The debut marked a cautious yet promising start to what the club hoped would be a meaningful period for the player and the squad. In his first three Swiss Super League appearances, he explored his role in the midfield, showing glimpses of the creativity and drive that had defined his earlier seasons, while also navigating the pace and physicality of a new league.
With the team adopting him in a central playmaking position, Miranchuk took the number ten jersey, signaling the responsibilities entrusted to him as a key creator in Sion’s setup. The decision underscored the club’s ambition to leverage his vision and passing range in the attacking third, especially in transition moments where quick decisions can tip a match in their favor.
In addition to league duties, Miranchuk found the back of the net in a friendly clash against Lausanne, scoring twice and demonstrating his ability to influence games beyond the regular competitive fixtures. Those goals highlighted his goal-threat from midfield and his capability to contribute in front of goal, a quality that could enhance Sion’s attacking options as the season progressed. In official league and cup appearances since joining, he has spent time on the field with a view to delivering consistent performances rather than just flashes of talent.
Looking back at Miranchuk’s career trajectory, observers note a pattern of high expectations followed by a search for stability at a higher level. Earlier talk had suggested he would move to a club with greater status, a step that would align with his proven track record and leadership on the pitch. The current chapter with Sion appears to be part of a broader plan to refine his form, adapt to a new footballing environment, and emphasize his influence in the middle of the park as he continues to develop his repertoire.
As Miranchuk continues to settle into Swiss football, the narrative around his career is one of perseverance and adaptation. The blend of international experience, domestic success, and a willingness to embrace new challenges positions him as a player to watch for fans in Canada, the United States, and across North America, where teams increasingly value players with a combination of tactical intelligence and on pitch fluency. While the early months have brought a mix of steady involvement and moments of impact, the longer arc of his spell at Sion will hinge on his ability to translate that potential into regular contributions on matchday, influence in build up play, and the consistency that separates good signings from long term investments. This phase may well shape the next steps in Miranchuk’s career as he pursues continued growth and seeks to reaffirm his status among players who have demonstrated resilience and adaptability in multiple leagues.