Canadian forward Olivia Smith has become the most expensive signing in women’s football history after completing a £1million move from Liverpool to Arsenal.
The 20-year-old Canadian forward completed her move to the Women’s Super League champions on Thursday, signing a four-year contract. According to The Guardian, Arsenal paid £1 million for Smith, making her the most expensive female footballer in history.
That figure breaks the previous record of £900,000 set earlier this year when Chelsea signed Naomi Girma from San Diego Wave.
Smith joined Liverpool from Sporting CP in July 2024 and made an immediate impact in her first season. She scored nine goals in 25 appearances across all competitions, including seven in the WSL. She also provided one assist.
Her debut season saw her voted Liverpool’s Standard Chartered Player of the Season. She was also named both Players’ Player and Young Player of the Season by her teammates, and earned a nomination for the Women’s Super League Rising Star award.
Smith scored Liverpool’s first WSL goal at Anfield and netted twice against Manchester United in March to help the Reds secure their first-ever Women’s Super League win at the stadium.
On the international stage, Smith became Canada’s youngest-ever senior international when she earned her first cap at just 15 years old in 2019. She featured for her country at the 2023 FIFA World Cup and was named Best Young Player at the 2024 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Liverpool, who are currently without a manager after sacking Matt Beard in February, wished Smith well in a short statement on Thursday.
“Everyone at the club would like to thank Olivia for her efforts and wish her well for the future,” the club said.
