Real Sociedad explore options for Zakharyan as pre-season nears | OneFootball

Real Sociedad are weighing up options for Zakharyan as his future remains unresolved with pre-season fast approaching.

According to Diario Vasco, he is due for tests at Zubieta on 4 July and an open session on 5 July, so he must be back in Donostia before that Saturday. He is currently in Moscow after hosting a football camp.

The Samara-born midfielder is set for a fourth season without a settled role. He joined from Dinamo Moscow for 12 million euros after strong interest from Chelsea and Ajax.

His market appears limited, with recurring injuries and modest output dampening demand in the big five leagues. Only three Russian players are currently there, Zakharyan among them, with Aleksandr Golovin at Monaco and Matvey Safonov important at PSG under Luis Enrique.

After the winter window the club’s director of football stressed the need for continuity, saying they must translate his versatility and quality into performances, while maintaining confidence in him.

He is now listed at 9 million euros, yet few clubs are likely to approach that fee. With a contract to 2029 there is time, but it remains to be seen whether Matarazzo counts on him next season. If he does depart this summer, a loan looks the likeliest route.

He needs minutes, and Europe could offer them, yet previous seasons yielded little, with only four appearances after an ankle injury, then just 696 minutes the following year under Sergio Francisco and later Matarazzo.

Source: Diario Vasco