Darko Velkovski signs for Al Khalidiyah — quits FK Vardar AD

Darko Velkovski has left FK Vardar AD, joining Bahrain vice-champions Al Khalidiyah.

Velkovski did not attend Vardar's training session today and reportedly said farewell to teammates yesterday, after accepting an offer from a club in Bahrain.

The experienced centre‑back returns to Asia, where he previously played for Al Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia under coach Steven Gerrard; in Bahrain he will link up with Goran Tomić, his former coach from Rijeka. The move bolsters Al Khalidiyah ahead of their domestic campaign and their Champions League campaign, where they are drawn with Al Wahda, Al Kuwait and Nasaf Qarshi.

Immediate effect on Vardar's defence

Velkovski's departure leaves Vardar short at centre‑back, with Mislav Matić and Filip Najdoski now remaining in the squad. The loss comes after a turbulent period for the club — a heavy collapse on the European stage and two derby defeats at the start of the new season have increased pressure on the roster.

Vardar have already seen other first‑team players depart, including Gerson Rodriguez, and several signings such as Castañeda, Pires, Torres and Puelio have so far failed to meet expectations. Coach Cristian Fabiani has also left the club, while Croatian Mario Cvitanović is reported to be close to promotion within the coaching ranks in Skopje.

The transfer marks another notable exit from the country's most decorated club and reshuffles Vardar's immediate plans for stabilising the defence as the season progresses.

Photo: press material from the event