Arsenal confirm WORLD-RECORD Olivia Smith transfer for £1million

WATCH NOW: Aidan Magee discusses the latest sport headlines

Ben McCaffrey

By Ben McCaffrey


Published: 17/07/2025

- 18:41

The Canadian becomes the first million-pound player in women's history

Arsenal have shattered the transfer record in women's football by completing the signing of Olivia Smith from Liverpool for £1million.

The 20-year-old Canadian striker becomes the first female player to command a seven-figure fee.


The deal surpasses Chelsea's previous record of £890,000 paid for Naomi Girma in January.

Smith has signed a four-year contract with the European champions.

Olivia Smith

Getty

|

Olivia Smith joins the Gunners from Liverpool for a world-record fee

"It's a privilege and an honour to sign for Arsenal," she said after the deal was confirmed. "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."

Smith burst onto the international scene in 2019 when she became Canada's youngest ever senior international at just 15 years and 94 days. She has since earned 18 caps for her country.

The forward joined Liverpool from Sporting Lisbon last summer for a club-record £210,000.

JUST IN: Cyclist, 19, dies after hitting speed bump during Giro della Valle d'Aosta

Olivia Smith

The 20-year-old scored seven goals for Liverpool last season

During her single season at Anfield, she netted seven of Liverpool's 22 WSL goals in 20 appearances.

Her performances caught the eye despite Liverpool's seventh-place finish.

No Liverpool player scored more goals, took more shots or touched the ball in the opposition box more frequently than Smith last season.

READ MORE: Luke Humphries reveals what he is 'neglecting' and could lead to 'downfall' ahead of World Matchplay

Arsenal's acquisition represents a significant statement of intent following their Champions League triumph in May.

The club have already strengthened with free transfers for Chloe Kelly and former Liverpool defender Taylor Hinds.

"Olivia is an exciting young player and we believe she can make a big contribution here at Arsenal," said head coach Renée Slegers. "We've been impressed by her mentality and character, excelling in two European leagues at such a young age."

LATEST SPORTS NEWS:

Ren\u00e9e Slegers

Getty

|

Arsenal boss Renée Slegers believes the Canadian can have a big impact at the Gunners

The transfer signals Arsenal's determination to challenge Chelsea's domestic dominance.

The Blues secured their sixth consecutive WSL title last season, but Arsenal's European success and ambitious recruitment suggest a power shift may be underway.

Liverpool have profited handsomely from their investment, earning nearly £800,000 in just one year.

The Merseyside club had rejected multiple bids from WSL and international clubs before accepting Arsenal's historic offer.

The transfer marks a watershed moment for women's football, arriving 46 years after Trevor Francis became British football's first £1million men's player.

Clare Wheatley, Arsenal's director of women's football, said: "We're thrilled to bring Olivia to Arsenal. She's one of the most talented young players in the game and has huge potential for further development here."