💰 World Record! Arsenal Agree £1m+ Deal for Olivia Smith from Liverpool
Canadian forward set to join Champions League winners in landmark WSL move
🔁 Record-Breaking Transfer Shakes Women's Football
Arsenal have shattered the women's football transfer record after agreeing a £1 million-plus fee with Liverpool for Canada international Olivia Smith. The deal surpasses the previous £900,000 world record paid by Chelsea for Naomi Girma in January 2025.
The 20-year-old forward is set to join the Gunners pending a medical and personal terms, in what many are calling a landmark moment for the Women’s Super League and the sport globally.
📈 From Sporting to Stardom
Smith only joined Liverpool a year ago from Sporting CP for just over £200,000 — a club-record deal at the time. She impressed immediately, scoring seven goals in 20 WSL appearances in her debut season.
Despite having two years remaining on her contract, Liverpool have opted to cash in, allowing Arsenal to make a bold statement of intent in the transfer market.
🧨 Arsenal Strengthening Further
Smith isn’t Arsenal’s only summer signing. The North London club have also secured Chloe Kelly on a free transfer from Manchester City and Taylor Hinds, Smith’s former Liverpool teammate.
With Beth Mead, Caitlin Foord, Alessia Russo, Stina Blackstenius, and now Chloe Kelly already in their attacking ranks, Arsenal are building one of the deepest forward lines in women's football.
“She adds depth. It’s early days to say if she starts,” said BBC pundit Izzy Christiansen. “It is a project for the near future in an Arsenal shirt. It is some fee and quite something for the women’s game.”
🧮 Liverpool to Reinvest
Liverpool, who finished 7th in the WSL last season, are without a permanent manager since parting ways with Matt Beard in February. Former Manchester City boss Gareth Taylor is the frontrunner for the role.
The club reportedly sees Smith's record sale as an opportunity to revamp the squad using the windfall to attract new talent across the pitch.
🇨🇦 A Star on the Rise
Smith has already made her mark on the international stage, scoring four goals in 18 appearances for Canada. She’s widely regarded as one of the top young forwards in world football and a long-term asset for any top club.
