Arsenal confirm record-breaking signing of Smith from Liverpool | OneFootball

Arsenal have confirmed the record-breaking signing of forward Olivia Smith from Liverpool.

The Gunners will pay a women’s world record fee of more than £1m to bring in the 20-year-old, making her the first £1m player in the women’s game.

This landmark fee breaks a barrier that was first crossed in men’s football back in 1979 when Trevor Francis moved from Birmingham City to Nottingham Forest for over £1m.

Arsenal’s ambition to push the boundaries of the women’s transfer market is nothing new. The club previously had a £930,000 offer for Keira Walsh turned down by Barcelona last summer, but they have now succeeded by securing the signature of Canadian forward Smith.

Capable of playing as both a winger and in a centre-forward role, Smith was handed her debut for the Canadian national team at only 15 in 2019.

Smith joined Liverpool last summer from Sporting Lisbon, coming off an impressive season in Portugal with 13 goals and nine assists in just 18 appearances.

The 20-year-old quickly adapted to life in Merseyside, netting seven goals across all competitions for the Reds and winning the club’s player of the season award.

The Canadian international attracted interest from several clubs, but the Champions League winners have secured her services.

“It’s a privilege and an honour to sign for Arsenal,” Smith said.

“It’s my dream to compete for the biggest titles here in England and in Europe and I’m excited to get started and contribute to doing that here with Arsenal. The atmosphere the supporters create at Emirates Stadium is incredible and I can’t wait to have that behind me now.

Head coach Renee Slegers said: “Olivia is an exciting young player and we believe she can make a big contribution here at Arsenal. We’ve been impressed by her mentality and character, excelling in two European leagues at such a young age.

“I know she has a level of ambition that matches our own and we’re looking forward to working with her as she continues to grow at the club.”

She will link up in north London with former Liverpool teammate Taylor Hinds, who signed for the Gunners on a free transfer after leaving the Reds upon the expiry of her contract.