Lejla Basic returns to KIF Örebro

The 21-year-old is back at her old club after two seasons with Älta IF.

Lejla Basic returns to KIF Örebro
The midfielder leaves Älta IF to return to the top flight in Sweden. | Photo: KIF Örebro
ameeruszkai
By Ameé Ruszkai

Lejla Basic has returned to KIF Örebro after two years away.

Basic left the club during the 2014 season to join Älta IF, having been granted few opportunities in the top flight, dropping down to the second-tier to aid her development, with her then just 19-years-old.

However, after impressing in the Elitettan, she is now back with Örebro and back in the Damallsvenskan, ready to prove her worth.

Progress made by step down

Whilst her decision to leave the club back in 2014 was questioned, particularly as she dropped down a level, she has justified it with some great individual progress.

Älta just avoided relegation to the third tier in 2015, finishing one place and three points above the drop zone, and so it's no surprise they have struggled to keep hold of Basic. 

The 21-year-old midfielder eased her way into the action two years ago, making 10 appearances for her new team, and this lay the foundation for a spectacular 2015. 

It would not be far-fetched to say that Älta would have gone down without the contributions she made in her 22 displays last season, which brought about three goals, and she will now look to apply what she learned in that battle at the bottom to life at Örebro.

Örebro continue to build

Having failed to challenge for the top two last season, despite a commendable fifth placed finish in the league, Örebro have been building as best they can in the off-season to ensure a better 2016.

Veronica Perez has been one of a number of good signings made by Örebro in the winter. | Photo: Zimbio
Veronica Perez has been one of a number of good signings made by Örebro in the winter. | Photo: Zimbio

Looking to minimalise the 16 point gap between them and the Champions League spots that materialised last year, they have added a wealth of international talent to their ranks. 

Melissa Tancredi has been the stand-out recruit so far, but with the signings of Anna Björk Kristjánsdóttir and Veronica Perez - Iceland and Mexico internationals respectively - plus the arrival of Basic, they are showing that they mean business.