Clara Markstedt has signed for Vittsjö GIK ahead of the new Damallsvenskan season, which is due to kick-off in April.

Markstedt was relegated to Sweden's second tier, the Elitettan, with Hammarby IF in 2015, with her two goals from nine starts unable to help the team stay up.

However, she has secured an immediate return to the top flight by signing for Vittsjö, who were involved in the relegation battle themselves last season too - finishing just two places and six points above the drop zone in the end.

Move to suit both parties?

Not since 2012 have Vittsjö finished in the top half of the top flight table, instead finding themselves to be regularly looking over their shoulder at the scrap for survival going on behind them, albeit without getting too involved.

Nonetheless, they will be keen to build upon a strong foundation they have laid in the Damallsvenskan, having established themselves in the league over the past few seasons, with the signing of Markstedt made to help them improve going forward after they managed just 26 goals in 22 games in 2015.

Though Markstedt herself got just two in 18 appearances last season, she struggled for regular game time with Hammarby, unable to get that run of games needed to find her form.

Markstedt leaves Hammarby after just one season with the club. | (Photo: SVT)
Markstedt leaves Hammarby after just one season with the club. | (Photo: SVT)

Only nine of her appearances were starts, and only twice did she complete a full 90 minutes - subbed off before the final whistle in the other seven games she played in from the beginning.

Therefore, she will be hoping this move sees her secure more minutes in order for her to rediscover her form.

Vittsjö secure strong signing

In Markstedt, Vittsjö have acquired a player with great experience, especially at the age of just 26. 

Her 16 goals in 21 Elitettan games for AIK in 2011 helped the team to promotion, as well as helping her earn the attention of Sweden's under-23 side, for whom she was subsequently called up for.

As well as her experience with the youth team, she has four seasons worth of experience in the Damallsvenskan and, whilst her goal-scoring record isn't the greatest, the player - who can play out wide or through the middle - is an attacking outlet who can create chances as well.

As they announced her arrival on their website, Vittsjö described Markstedt as "a quick and intense" type of player who has a fantastic work rate, all of which she can bring to the team in 2016.