Olivia Smith: Arsenal break record with first £1 million signing as forward joins from Women’s Super League rivals Liverpool

Arsenal have broken the world record for the most expensive transfer in women’s football history, signing Olivia Smith from Liverpool in a deal worth £1 million.

The Canadian scored nine goals in 25 appearances in all competitions for Liverpool last season, in her maiden season in England, with seven of those goals coming in 20 Women’s Super League appearances.

Smith, who began playing in Canada, before going through the American college system, made the move to Portugal aged just 18 in 2023, when joining Sporting Clube.

There, she immediately caught the eye, with a goal and assist on debut, eventually scoring 16 goals in 28 appearances that season.

As a result, she was named as the Liga BPI Player of the Season and Young Player of the Season and all eyes around Europe were firmly on her.

A move to Merseyside came next and after her strong campaign there, she was named Liverpool’s Player of the Season, whilst also receiving a nomination for the Women’s Super League Rising Star award.

It is not just her very promising early domestic form that has led to Arsenal making the big investment, as Smith has also impressed on international duty with Canada.

She became the youngest-ever player to represent Canada in 2019, aged just 15.

Now, she has 18 caps and four goals for her country, who she has represented at the 2023 FIFA World Cup and the 2024 CONCACAF W Gold Cup, a competition she was named Best Young Player in, which saw her named Canada’s Young Player of the Year.

Smith’s deal to Arsenal overtakes the £890,000 Chelsea paid for Naomi Girma from San Diego Wave in January.

On completing the move to north London, Smith, who will wear the No.15 jersey, said: “It’s a privilege and an honour to sign for Arsenal.

“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 Renée Slegers added: “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.”