Canada forward Olivia Smith has become the most expensive player in women’s football history after joining Arsenal from Liverpool for a world-record fee of £1 million.
The 20-year-old signed a four-year contract with the reigning Champions League holders, marking a significant step in her meteoric rise. Smith made her international debut at just 15 and joined Liverpool from Sporting CP in 2024 for a club-record fee of over £200,000.
“It’s a privilege and an honour to sign for Arsenal,” said Smith. “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.”
Her move surpasses the previous record set in January when Chelsea signed USA defender Naomi Girma for £900,000 from San Diego Wave.
Arsenal head coach Renee Slegers hailed Smith as an “exciting young player” who can make a “big contribution” to the squad.
Smith scored seven goals in 20 Women’s Super League appearances for Liverpool in her debut season, helping them finish seventh. Liverpool remain without a permanent manager since parting ways with Matt Beard in February, with Gareth Taylor emerging as the frontrunner for the role.
Smith’s record-breaking transfer mirrors the landmark £1 million move of Trevor Francis in men’s football 46 years ago, as she becomes a new trailblazer in the women’s game.