Lauren Hemp hails Olivia Smith’s likely world-record move as ‘proof women’s footballers are great’ | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Olivia Smith is set join Arsenal and become the first £1m transfer in women’s football. (Pedro Porru / SPP)

Lauren Hemp has hailed the impending first £1m transfer in women’s football, after Liverpool accepted a bid from Arsenal for Olivia Smith.

The deal hasn’t officially gone through but looks likely after Arsenal saw the world-record bid for the Canadian accepted.

England star Lauren Hemp was asked about the move in her pre-match press conference ahead of the Lionesses’ crucial Euro 2025 clash with Wales on Sunday.

What did Lauren Hemp say about Olivia Smith’s £1m transfer?

Manchester City winger Lauren Hemp was quick to welcome the news about Olivia Smith joining Arsenal in the first-ever £1m transfer.

“It’s the direction that the women’s game’s going in, and it’s great to see,” she said, highlighting just how significant the move is.

To her, it is more than just a player switching clubs; it is a big win for women’s football as a whole.

“As players, we’re sort of in a bit of a bubble at the moment, so we’re not really seeing much of that [news], we’re just focusing on the tournament.

“It’s proof that women footballers are great. That is the way that game’s going so long may that continue.”

Hemp sees this transfer as proof that women’s football is finally getting the recognition and respect it has long deserved, and that things are truly starting to take off.

Why are Arsenal spending £1m on Olivia Smith?

Olivia Smith is a 20-year-old forward who’s already made a name for herself at Liverpool after joining from Sporting Lisbon last year.

She netted seven goals in 19 appearances for Liverpool in her debut season in the Women’s Super League. She has also made 18 senior appearances for Canada.

Although she’s still early in her career, Olivia has caught the attention of some of the biggest clubs, and this transfer shows how much faith people have in her potential.

Arsenal has a rich history in women’s football and is committed to nurturing young players who can make a real difference to the team.

Olivia’s arrival is expected to bring fresh energy and creativity to their midfield and give her a great environment to continue growing and improving.

She would join an Arsenal side who are fresh off winning the Women’s Champions League.

What could the transfer mean for women’s football?

This transfer is a huge step. It marks a turning point in how women’s football is valued, both financially and culturally.

Clubs are now ready to invest real money in female players, recognising the impact they have on the pitch and beyond.

This could open the door to more big signings and better pay across the women’s game, helping it grow stronger and more competitive in the years ahead.

The record for the most expensive women’s signing has already been broken this year, when Naomi Girma joined Chelsea for £883,000 from San Diego Wave.

Should Arsenal sign Smith, she will top the list of the most expensive signings in women’s football history.