Vladimir Ponomarev weighs in on Arsen Zakharyan’s European move
Vladimir Ponomarev, a former CSKA and USSR national team midfielder, shared cautious views about Arsen Zakharyan taking a step to Europe. He relayed his thoughts through Euro-Football.Ru, emphasizing that the timing might not be right for the Dynamo midfielder. Ponomarev believes Zakharyan still needs to prove consistency and earn his place, warning that an early move could lead to a lack of playing time or even a prolonged bench stint. In his view, rising stars must grind through tough seasons before evaluating opportunities abroad, or there is a risk of drifting without impact.
According to Ponomarev, if Zakharyan does not deliver strong results, coaches may turn to alternatives and bench him. The risk, in his opinion, is that a single season of unproductive spells could haunt a player who is still building his reputation. Ponomarev questioned whether Zakharyan would immediately shine in a club like Real Sociedad, asking whether the midfielder has proven the kind of genius that would guarantee success at a new level.
The transfer rumor mill linked Real Sociedad with Zakharyan in August, suggesting a potential agreement between the Russian midfielder and the Spanish club. This possibility added fuel to ongoing debates about the best path for Zakharyan, balancing development in Russia with exposure in top European leagues. The discussion reflects a broader perspective on how young talents navigate transitions to the most competitive leagues while maintaining their development trajectory.
Historically, Zakharyan has drawn interest from several top European teams. In the summer of 2022, a Premier League giant stood ready to secure him, with Chelsea offering £12.6 million for the midfielder. The move did not materialize due to the geopolitical and league-specific restrictions impacting Russian football at the time, underscoring how external factors can shape transfer timelines for rising players.
Recent interest has continued from the Netherlands. Three Dutch clubs—PSV Eindhoven, Ajax, and Feyenoord—quickly emerged as potential destinations, signaling sustained European attention on Zakharyan’s talents. The ongoing speculation underscores the balance players must strike between early opportunities and long term development, a tension that often defines career trajectories for talented youngsters from Russia and other football-rich regions.
Beyond the transfer chatter, reports have suggested practical adjustments could accompany a move abroad. If Zakharyan were to transfer to a club in another country, observers note the typical off-field considerations, including housing arrangements and personal support systems. In some scenarios, players arriving in a new country benefit from services such as a driver and a ready-made apartment, easing the transition and allowing them to focus on performance on the pitch. Such details illustrate how modern clubs support new arrivals as they adapt to unfamiliar leagues and cultures, aiming to accelerate on-field contributions while maintaining personal stability.
Overall, the conversation around Zakharyan’s future remains open and multifaceted. For fans and analysts, the central questions revolve around his readiness for Europe, how he would handle increased competition, and whether the timing aligns with his development goals. As the transfer window evolves, there is a continuing expectation that Zakharyan will be watched closely by clubs seeking a dynamic midfielder who can influence games at a high level, while teammates, coaches, and supporters consider his potential impact in different tactical environments.