Olivia Smith: Arsenal Women sign Liverpool striker in world-record £1m transfer | OneFootball

Canada star becomes the first-ever £1m player in the history of women’s football

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Arsenal Women have completed the world-record signing of Liverpool striker Olivia Smith.

Smith’s move beats the previous world record for a deal in women’s football, which was Naomi Girma’s £900,000 transfer from San Diego Wave to Chelsea in January.

Liverpool had been reluctant to sell Smith, who only joined them last year from Sporting for a fee of £200,000.

Arsenal’s seven-figure bid, however, was too good to turn down and the 20-year-old has joined the Gunners on a long-term contract.

“It’s a privilege and an honour to sign for Arsenal,” Smith told the official Arsenal website. “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.”

Smith spent time in the US college system before signing her first professional contract with Sporting in July 2023.

The forward scored 16 goals in 28 appearances for Sporting during the 2023-24 season, which earned her a move to Liverpool.

Smith managed nine goals in 25 appearances across all competitions last term and was voted the club’s Player of the Season.

The Canadian is her country’s youngest-ever player after making her international debut at the age of 15 in 2009.

Arsenal 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.”