Five new signings set to make a major impact in Denmark’s Women’s league

The Danish women’s league has added some serious firepower this summer, with world-class stars and elite internationals arriving at the country’s top clubs.

Anna Vyakhireva, Odense Håndbold – from Brest Bretagne

What a statement signing from Odense. The Danish club have brought in one of the greatest players ever to play the right-back position – and one of the areas where they really needed to strengthen.

Vyakhireva has perhaps not been in the spotlight quite as much in recent years, largely because she has not played major championships with Russia. But in the Champions League and French league, the right back has been every bit as magical as ever.

Now she is heading to Denmark, where she should have an absolute field day.

Julie Scaglione, Team Esbjerg — from Ikast Håndbold

Team Esbjerg have their own statement signing.

Not only have they signed one of the best players in the league, they have also taken her from Ikast – a club that had ambitions of closing the gap to Esbjerg but now finds itself falling further behind.

Scaglione is already an elite player, and the move could take her game to another level. Playing alongside Henny Reistad should give the Danish international even more opportunities to thrive.

Oh, boy.

Silje Solberg-Østhassel, Team Esbjerg

Yes, Solberg-Østhassel technically played for Esbjerg last season. But with the Norwegian goalkeeper now starting the season as the club’s first-choice option following Anna Kristensen’s move to FTC, we are counting her as a new signing.

And quite frankly, that is good enough for us.

Solberg-Østhassel remains one of the best goalkeepers in the world. Her experience, consistency and ability to decide games from between the posts could prove crucial for Esbjerg as they chase domestic and European success.

Johanna Bundsen, Odense Håndbold – from Metz Handball

Speaking of world-class goalkeepers.

Bundsen almost single-handedly dragged Metz to the Champions League final, producing a sensational performance in the semi-final. The Swedish international seems to get better with every season and has developed into one of the most reliable goalkeepers in Europe.

And then there is her passing. Bundsen arguably has the sharpest long-range distribution in the women’s game, making her a genuine weapon in transition as well as between the posts.

Expect Odense to run.

Xenia Smits, Odense Håndbold – from Metz Handball

It might be a little predictable to pick yet another player joining one of the two giants of Danish women’s handball. But the fact is that both clubs have gone big this summer, and Odense in particular have strengthened significantly.

Smits is an outstanding two-way player who can contribute at both ends of the court. Her defensive qualities, physicality and ability to make an impact in attack should make her hugely valuable for Odense.

With Vyakhireva, Bundsen and Smits all arriving, Odense have certainly made their ambitions clear.