Olivia Smith joins Arsenal Women in world-record £1M transfer from Liverpool

Arsenal Women have completed the signing of Olivia Smith from Liverpool Women in what is being described as a world-record transfer deal worth £1 million, making the 19-year-old forward the most expensive female footballer in history. The landmark agreement marks a significant moment in women’s football, as top-tier English clubs begin to match ambition with unprecedented financial backing.

Smith, a Canadian international, has seen her stock rise rapidly after an impressive season in the Women’s Super League (WSL), where she played a crucial role in Liverpool’s resurgence. Arsenal moved swiftly to secure her signature, edging out interest from other European giants.  

 

Who Is Olivia Smith? Rising Star With Global Recognition

Born in Canada, Olivia Smith made her senior national team debut at just 15 and was already tipped to be a generational talent. With explosive pace, sharp dribbling, and an eye for goal, she has become a standout performer in every team she’s played for. Her move to the WSL in 2024 put her in the spotlight, and by mid-2025, she was one of the league’s most feared forwards.

Liverpool Women brought her in from Sporting CP, where she impressed in Portugal’s top flight. Smith not only delivered goals but also provided a creative edge in attack, helping Liverpool finish strongly last season. Her performances earned her widespread praise and placed her firmly on Arsenal’s radar.  

 

Arsenal’s Ambition and the Significance of the £1M Deal

The record-breaking £1 million transfer is a bold statement by Arsenal. It underlines the club’s commitment to reclaiming domestic and continental dominance in women’s football. Manager Jonas Eidevall sees Smith as a long-term investment capable of transforming Arsenal’s frontline and providing versatility across the attacking third.

In an era where transfer fees in women’s football are steadily rising, this move raises the bar. Previously, Keira Walsh’s £400,000 transfer to Barcelona from Manchester City in 2022 held the record. Smith’s fee more than doubles that figure, setting a new benchmark and potentially encouraging more big-money moves in the women’s game.

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What Smith Brings to the Gunners

Arsenal are adding a forward who offers more than just goals. Smith’s tactical intelligence, ability to operate across all forward positions, and natural flair make her a dynamic threat. Her versatility will add depth to a squad already boasting talent like Stina Blackstenius, Beth Mead, and Caitlin Foord.

Smith’s youth also provides longevity, at just 19, she is only beginning to scratch the surface of her potential. Eidevall is expected to integrate her gradually, using her to rotate the attacking line-up and provide fresh legs in the Champions League and domestic campaigns.  

 

Reactions and What Comes Next

The deal has sparked significant buzz on social media and among analysts, with many calling it a “game-changing transfer” for the women’s game. Liverpool fans, while disappointed to lose a breakout star, understand the magnitude of the opportunity and the financial reward involved.

Olivia Smith will join the Arsenal squad for pre-season preparations, with her debut likely to come during their summer tour. Fans eagerly await to see how the young star adapts to the pressures of North London and lives up to the record-breaking expectations placed on her.

As the women’s game continues to grow, Smith’s transfer to Arsenal may become a pivotal moment in the commercial evolution of female football. All eyes will now be on how she performs under the bright lights of the Emirates Stadium.