Viktor Onopko, a former coach among the national team staff, shared his thoughts in a wide-ranging interview about Arsen Zakharyan’s move from Dynamo Moscow to Real Sociedad. He views the transfer as a positive development for Russian football, highlighting how a young talent can gain fresh perspectives and compete at a high level in one of Europe’s respected competitions. Onopko framed the shift as a natural step in a promising career, emphasizing the importance of tracking progress and learning from new teammates, coaches, and playing styles.
According to the coach, the 20-year-old midfielder should approach the transition with a clear plan to shorten the adaptation period. A quicker acclimation to the rhythms of Spanish football and the tactical demands of Real Sociedad could unlock more consistent performances on the field for both club and country. The coach expressed confidence that Zakharyan can handle the move with maturity, focusing on training discipline, language and cultural adjustment, and the nuances of a different league schedule.
He added that the choice reflects a strong desire to compete at a higher level and to contribute to a team that has established itself among Europe’s competitive outfits. The move is seen as beneficial not only for the player’s own development but also for the broader goals of Russian football, which benefits when its players test themselves against diverse styles and in diverse leagues. This transfer is framed as a strategic step that could yield long-term dividends for Zakharyan’s growth and for the visibility of Russian talents abroad.
Real Sociedad confirmed the signing of Arsen Zakharyan, with the contract set to run through June 2029. The midfielder made his first appearance for the club by entering as a substitute in the 75th minute against Las Palmas, a debut that marked the beginning of a new chapter in his professional journey. This milestone is viewed as an opportunity to demonstrate versatility, technical skill, and a willingness to adapt to the Spanish competition’s tempo and intensity. The team’s environment—characterized by a balanced tactical approach and a supportive setup—could provide fertile ground for his continued development amid the league’s competitive landscape.
In reflecting on the broader landscape, observers note that the transfer underscores how young Russian players are increasingly exposed to varied football ecosystems. It invites discussion about how clubs abroad can contribute to the maturation of foreign talents and how those players bring back experiences that enrich domestic football when they return to national team duties or join other leagues later in their careers. The move is framed not only as a personal achievement for Zakharyan but also as a sign of the expanding mobility of Russian football talent in Europe, where exposure to different coaching methods, training cultures, and competitive pressures can sharpen skills and strategic understanding of the game.
Past decisions by national team leadership and coaching staff, including public remarks on players’ career paths, are viewed through the lens of supporting talent development. The emphasis remains on fostering a pathway that prioritizes growth, consistency, and the ability to contribute to both club commitments and international responsibilities. This perspective aligns with a broader aim of strengthening the pipeline of Russian players who can excel in demanding environments while bringing back valuable experience to national team preparations and performance expectations.
As Zakharyan settles into his new surroundings, analysts expect him to balance professional demands with personal adjustment—learning a new language of football, adapting to a different training routine, and integrating with teammates who bring distinct stylistic elements to Real Sociedad’s game plan. The transition is watched closely by fans who hope to see the young midfielder flourish and expand his influence on the field. The overall sentiment is one of measured optimism: a talented player taking a meaningful step forward, with the potential to impact both his club and his national team in meaningful ways over the coming seasons.