Liverpool's Olivia Smith Moves to Arsenal
In a groundbreaking move for women's soccer, Canadian striker Olivia Smith has been transferred to Arsenal for a world-record fee of £1 million (CAD 1.84 million), making her the most expensive player in the history of the sport. This transfer, confirmed in July 2025, marks the first time a women's player has surpassed the seven-figure transfer barrier.
The 20-year-old Canada international, who started her international career for Canada at the age of 15 in 2019, spent the 2024-25 season impressing at Liverpool, finishing as the club's top scorer with nine goals in 25 appearances across all competitions and earning the Player of the Season award.
Liverpool had previously rejected offers from other top clubs including Chelsea and Lyon, holding firm on their valuation until Arsenal matched it. This record-breaking transfer eclipses the previous women's football record fee of around £820,000 ($1.1 million) paid by Chelsea for Naomi Girma in January 2025.
Smith's transfer to Arsenal is part of a trend of massive investments in women's soccer, with transfer records being regularly broken. The move may signal a shift in the competitive balance among top women's clubs in England, long dominated by Chelsea.
Arsenal's manager Renée Slegers expressed belief in Smith's potential, stating she can have a real impact at the club. Smith, in turn, expressed her excitement about joining Arsenal, highlighting her dream to compete for major titles in England and Europe, and her eagerness to experience the support at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal, who won the Champions League for the second time in its history last season, confirmed the signing of Smith on a long-term contract, reflecting their ambition to strengthen their squad after their recent success and to lower the team's average age profile.
This transfer marks a significant milestone in the growth and development of women's soccer, as record-breaking fees become increasingly common and the sport continues to attract top talent and investment.
[1] Arsenal FC official website [2] Liverpool FC official website [3] BBC Sport [4] Sky Sports
- Arsenal's impressive acquisition of Olivia Smith for £1 million indicates a surge in investment towards women's football, particularly in European leagues, where she will now aim to compete for major titles.
- The record-breaking transfer of Olivia Smith from Liverpool to Arsenal eclipses previous fees in women's football, including the one paid by Chelsea for Naomi Girma, and highlights the increasing value placed on top talent in the sport.
