Former Dynamo player Ivan Temnikov believes Arsen Zakharyan could revive his career by returning to the Moscow club from Real Sociedad, despite concerns over the midfielder’s limited playing time and fitness.
Zakharyan has made only three minutes on the pitch this season, continuing a difficult spell in Spain in which injuries have restricted his opportunities. Temnikov said a move back to his former club could benefit both the player and Dynamo, although he acknowledged that Zakharyan’s physical condition would be the key issue.
“If he returns, then I think he will be returning home. And as we know, home support helps,” Temnikov told Euro-Football.Ru in an exclusive interview.
“He can restart his career here. We all know perfectly well that in Spain it has been one injury after another and he has not really been able to show himself. If he comes back, I think it would be a plus for Dynamo because one of the club’s academy graduates would have returned. It would also be a plus for Zakharyan because it is his home club. The only question is his condition.”
Zakharyan came through Dynamo’s academy before moving to Real Sociedad. His lack of regular involvement has led to questions over whether a return to Russia could provide the consistent football needed to rebuild his form.
Temnikov was asked whether Zakharyan had failed to reach the required level at Real Sociedad. The former Dynamo player said he had not watched enough of the midfielder to make a definitive judgement, but did not believe there had been a clear improvement or decline in his performances.
“I have not watched many matches, but I would not say that he has become better or worse. He is simply playing at his level. He has not made any particular impression,” Temnikov said.
The comments come as Zakharyan’s current campaign remains disrupted by a lack of match action. His three minutes of football this season underline the uncertainty surrounding his immediate future, while any potential return to Dynamo would also depend on whether he is fit enough to contribute.
For Temnikov, however, the club’s familiarity and the prospect of playing in familiar surroundings could help Zakharyan regain momentum. He described the possibility as potentially positive for both sides, while making clear that the midfielder’s condition would determine whether the move could work.
Zakharyan’s time at Real Sociedad has so far failed to produce a sustained run of appearances, and Temnikov said the player had not stood out during the matches he had seen. Nevertheless, he stopped short of saying that Zakharyan was unable to cope with the level of the Spanish club, instead portraying his spell as one in which injuries and limited opportunities had prevented him from showing his full ability.
The midfielder’s possible return to Dynamo therefore remains centred on two questions: whether such a move can help him relaunch his career, and whether his fitness would allow him to play a meaningful role.
