Zakharyan’s Real Sociedad future uncertain as loan return to Russia considered | OneFootball

Arsen Zakharyan’s spell at Real Sociedad has stalled after three seasons short of expectations, with only 49 appearances and three goals. Since Pellegrino Matarazzo took charge, the Russian featured in just seven league and cup games.

According to AS, the club plan to seek a destination where the 23-year-old can regain his level, and sporting director Erik Bretos acknowledged his talent and potential but admitted they had not found consistency. He accepted responsibility to identify a solution and said the club would take the best decision to let him play and express himself.

Zakharyan is under contract until 2029 and Real spent 12 million euros to sign him from Dinamo Moscow in August 2023. That outlay complicates finding a buyer willing to cover the fee given his output.

A loan could be pursued to help him rediscover his football. Krasnodar, where he retains a strong reputation, are said to have shown interest.

Such a move would aim to unlock minutes for a player whose profile has struggled to find a place in the current European market after muted campaigns in San Sebastián.

Source: AS