Dmitrii Kholod has joined CSM Oradea, the Romanian runners-up, after bringing an end to his three-year spell with Jadran Herceg Novi.
The 33-year-old, born in Belarus but long established as a water polo player through Russia, arrives as an experienced and versatile addition for Oradea as they look to build on their second-place finish in the 2026 Romanian Championship.
Kholod began his senior career in Russia, where he played for Sturm Ruzha and Dynamo Moscow. Between 2019 and 2023, he was part of one of the strongest club environments in European water polo, representing the four-time European champions during a successful period of his career.
For the past three seasons, Kholod has worn the cap of Jadran Herceg Novi, becoming an important figure for the Montenegrin side. His departure comes shortly after Jadran secured their second consecutive Montenegrin League title, giving Kholod a winning end to his time at the club.
His international career has also taken an interesting path. Kholod represented Russia between 2013 and 2021, before later receiving Montenegrin citizenship. He made his debut for Montenegro at the 2025 World Championships, where the team finished sixth.
He was also part of Montenegro’s squad at the 2026 European Championships in Belgrade. There, Montenegro finished seventh after defeating Romania in the placement match — a result that came against the country where Kholod will now continue his club career.
His move to Oradea is part of a wider summer of change at Jadran. Three departures have now been confirmed, with Djordje Lazic joining Panionios and Fran Valera returning to Sabadell.
The list of players leaving the Montenegrin champions is expected to grow further. Vasilije Radovic is set to join Marseille, while second goalkeeper Ilija Radovic is moving to Buducnost Podgorica.
For Oradea, Kholod’s arrival brings proven experience, defensive strength and international pedigree. After finishing as runners-up in Romania, the club will hope his addition can help them close the gap at the top domestically while also strengthening their ambitions in European competition.
For Kholod, it marks another new chapter in a career that has already taken him through Russian, Montenegrin and now Romanian water polo.
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